3 ms·

It seems to me that at some point Economy class will be miserable enough that passengers start comparing metrics of service (seat width, seat pitch, etc.) rathe

It seems to me that at some point Economy class will be miserable enough that passengers start comparing metrics of service (seat width, seat pitch, etc.) rather than just price and price alone. We just haven't gotten there yet.

Puts 9y ago
But as it is now the Economy class tickets are a fourth of the price of the business class, and the only thing you get is more of everything. Where is the alternative to pay 25% more for the ticket, yet skip the extra stuff, but just get a nicer smoother experience?
- jorvi 9y ago
  Isn't that basically what economy+ is on several airlines? You get a tinge more legroom and priority boarding, but no of the other niceties.
- autarch 9y ago
  That's what Delta calls Economy Comfort, which is economy with a little more leg room and earlier boarding. At 6'7" it's well worth the extra cost for me.
- jdavis703 9y ago
  It's called "premium economy" generally. You get slightly bigger seats, maybe better food options (or it's included as part of your ticket) and sometimes early access to the cabin.
  - hocuspocus 9y ago
    Does it cost only 25% more though? I don't fly US domestic routes but for a transoceanic flight it'll typically cost you twice the price of standard economy (and in turn business is about 2x eco+, and first 2x business).
    - selectodude 9y ago
      Yeah, maybe an extra $75 on a $250 ticket.
  - closeparen 9y ago
    >bigger seats Really? As I recall, Delta and United premium economy are normal economy seats in the forward half of the airplane. It saves you a few minutes deplaning, but does nothing for the comfort level in flight.
    - privong 9y ago
      > As I recall, Delta and United premium economy are normal economy seats in the forward half of the airplane. It saves you a few minutes deplaning, but does nothing for the comfort level in flight. On United it is the same economy seat, but it does have more legroom due to increased separation between rows of seats, compared to standard economy.
    - SeoxyS 9y ago
      And an additional 4in of legroom. Makes a huge difference.
hammock 9y ago
Won't happen unless the metrics by airline become drastically different (right now they are declining at roughly the same rate), different enough to justify the price and schedule differences between competing flights. Otherwise it could be done today. We have seen it in the past. I remember when JetBlue launched many would take a higher priced seat, for the in flight entertainment. Or Virgin for the service and seat room.

Puts 9y ago

But as it is now the Economy class tickets are a fourth of the price of the business class, and the only thing you get is more of everything. Where is the alternative to pay 25% more for the ticket, yet skip the extra stuff, but just get a nicer smoother experience?

jorvi 9y ago
Isn't that basically what economy+ is on several airlines? You get a tinge more legroom and priority boarding, but no of the other niceties.
autarch 9y ago
That's what Delta calls Economy Comfort, which is economy with a little more leg room and earlier boarding. At 6'7" it's well worth the extra cost for me.
jdavis703 9y ago
It's called "premium economy" generally. You get slightly bigger seats, maybe better food options (or it's included as part of your ticket) and sometimes early access to the cabin.
- hocuspocus 9y ago
  Does it cost only 25% more though? I don't fly US domestic routes but for a transoceanic flight it'll typically cost you twice the price of standard economy (and in turn business is about 2x eco+, and first 2x business).
  - selectodude 9y ago
    Yeah, maybe an extra $75 on a $250 ticket.
- closeparen 9y ago
  >bigger seats Really? As I recall, Delta and United premium economy are normal economy seats in the forward half of the airplane. It saves you a few minutes deplaning, but does nothing for the comfort level in flight.
  - privong 9y ago
    > As I recall, Delta and United premium economy are normal economy seats in the forward half of the airplane. It saves you a few minutes deplaning, but does nothing for the comfort level in flight. On United it is the same economy seat, but it does have more legroom due to increased separation between rows of seats, compared to standard economy.
  - SeoxyS 9y ago
    And an additional 4in of legroom. Makes a huge difference.

hammock 9y ago

Won't happen unless the metrics by airline become drastically different (right now they are declining at roughly the same rate), different enough to justify the price and schedule differences between competing flights. Otherwise it could be done today. We have seen it in the past. I remember when JetBlue launched many would take a higher priced seat, for the in flight entertainment. Or Virgin for the service and seat room.