4 ms·

> If there is a single enduring truth to at least American airline demand, it’s that most consumers will pick the cheapest ticket. Almost nothing else matters,

> If there is a single enduring truth to at least American airline demand, it’s that most consumers will pick the cheapest ticket. Almost nothing else matters, when it comes time to pay for it, to almost all of the flying public. Perhaps that's because all the U.S. airlines have engaged in such a race to the bottom on quality that there's no other distinguishing factor. I'd happily pay more for a more pleasant experience, but no one offers it.

ghaff 1y ago
They do. But it's a big premium. Which I might pay for especially long haul international but I probably won't for a domestic flight.
- JumpCrisscross 1y ago
  > it's a big premium. Which I might pay for especially long haul international but I probably won't for a domestic flight Sure. That’s the point. So the market rewards the carriers who can cut prices lowest. What I would be curious about here is whether this single/double discrimination extends to Delta’s loyal customers. (My hunch is no.)
JumpCrisscross 1y ago
> Perhaps that's because all the U.S. airlines have engaged in such a race to the bottom on quality Nope. The rule is proven by the exception. When carriers and new entrants have tried to disprove it, it’s generally proved true. > I'd happily pay more for a more pleasant experience, but no one offers it Between premium seats and private charter it absolutely exists. Most people can’t or won’t pay it, however, because it’s not worth that much to them.
- account42 1y ago
  That's because premium seats are ridiculously priced compared to the advantage they offer and compared to the cost to the airline. If you could purchase e.g. 10% additional seat pitch for 10% extra (and even that would be unfair without an additional 10% baggage allowance and so on) then you might have an argument.

4 ms·

> If there is a single enduring truth to at least American airline demand, it’s that most consumers will pick the cheapest ticket. Almost nothing else matters,

by valleyer 1y ago

ghaff 1y ago
They do. But it's a big premium. Which I might pay for especially long haul international but I probably won't for a domestic flight.
- JumpCrisscross 1y ago
  > it's a big premium. Which I might pay for especially long haul international but I probably won't for a domestic flight Sure. That’s the point. So the market rewards the carriers who can cut prices lowest. What I would be curious about here is whether this single/double discrimination extends to Delta’s loyal customers. (My hunch is no.)
JumpCrisscross 1y ago
> Perhaps that's because all the U.S. airlines have engaged in such a race to the bottom on quality Nope. The rule is proven by the exception. When carriers and new entrants have tried to disprove it, it’s generally proved true. > I'd happily pay more for a more pleasant experience, but no one offers it Between premium seats and private charter it absolutely exists. Most people can’t or won’t pay it, however, because it’s not worth that much to them.
- account42 1y ago
  That's because premium seats are ridiculously priced compared to the advantage they offer and compared to the cost to the airline. If you could purchase e.g. 10% additional seat pitch for 10% extra (and even that would be unfair without an additional 10% baggage allowance and so on) then you might have an argument.