Flying A'la Carte
Minneapolis (ContentDesk) April 19, 2006 -- In June 2005, http://Airlines.Ws wondered how far domestic airline cost cutting measures would go after the loss of the coveted free pretzels on Northwest airline flights. Well, now were here to say far, quite far, indeed.The latest ? la carte menu reads like this: $15 for an aisle seat or $24 for an exit row. More leg room for $50 or purchase your ticket over the phone for $10. Confirm a standby flight for $25. $1 for trail mix or cashews, $4 for a snack box or $5 for a fresh sandwich or wrap.
$2 per bag for curbside check-in.There are no longer free magazines, newspapers, pillows or blankets. American Airlines estimates saving $700,000 on the cost of pillows alone. Continental Airlines is the only remaining airline to offer complimentary in-flight meals on both domestic and international flights. It seems as though airlines are asking more of their passengers with less being offered. Book your flights on-line, check yourself in at a kiosk and produce your own boarding passes didnt these services used to be included? Well, yes, but you did pay overall remember the much higher airfares? Would you rather pay those or go with $49 one-way coast-to-coast fares? Airlines are simply being reactive to their $35 billion losses since 9/11.
Now with higher fuel costs and tough competition, as with any business, if theyre making money theyre able to give more services to passengers. But if theyre hurting financially, cost cutting measures need to be taken.But low-cost no-frills has been around for years with Southwest does their business model work because this was their initial concept? It seems the public now thinks theyre being nickel and dime'd because theyre asked to pay for services which they do not expect on airlines such as Southwest, Ted or Canadas WestJet. Does this make passengers feel theyre losing value for their money? Maybe so but Southwest is the fourth largest and some say the most successful airline in the USA today.Many passengers love the new ? la carte services because of the low cost flights being produced. How can anyone rightfully complain when theyre getting a coast-to-coast flight with Southwest for only $49 one-way? Even a Greyhound bus trip costs more than twice that and its 2 days, 16 hours more of travel time.So, plan ahead. Bring your own food, your own mp3 player, your own magazine, your own blanket and pillow, heck, just add a family photo on the seat back table tray and itll be like home sweet home at 35,000 feet.
Focus on the outcome of the trip (getting where you want to be) and enjoy the overall cost savings. Remember, you could be on a bus.Airlines.Ws is a leading directory of the world's airlines, airline news, polls and commentary..
Southwest Airlines Offers Savings From Coast to Coast; Fall Into Internet-Only Fare Sales on Southwest.com
Dallas, TX (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) August 16, 2005 -- Fall into amazing savings with Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) as the airline offers Internet-only, 14-day advance-purchase fares from coast to coast. Fares range from $39 to $149 one-way and vary by destination and day of travel. To book these Southwest Airlines fare specials available only at southwest.com, go to: http://www.southwest.com/jp/luvhome.shtml?src=PR_sale_081605 
????"We are offering not only systemwide savings, but also spotlighting savings to the destinations our Customers want the most," said Joyce Rogge, Southwest Airlines' Senior Vice President of Marketing. "Fall is the perfect time to hit the beach, see the leaves change in the Northeast, or visit loved ones...
Airfares > Southwest Airlines Offers Savings From Coast to Coast; Fall Into Internet-Only Fare Sales on Southwest.com
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Cheap Tickets and Discount Airfare.
Airfares > Cheap Tickets and Discount Airfare.
Travel costs are up, but some companies are giving business.
The momentum in travel recovery that began last year is continuing,
and Americans are traveling in record numbers.
That's great news for the travel industry, but not for companies trying
to control travel costs-higher demand means higher prices. Car rental
rates are up an average of 10 percent to 15 percent over last year.
Hotel prices in many major cities are skyrocketing, and hotels are
regularly selling out in super-hot markets like Boston and Manhattan.
Recently imposed fuel surcharges are bumping up airfares. Even airport
parking rates are on the rise.
Since small businesses usually don't have the volume to negotiate lower
prices, finding travel deals is tough.
And when they do find deals,
travelers get bogged down in the fine print or have to jump through too
many hoops to realize true savings.
That could...
Airfares > Travel costs are up, but some companies are giving business.