Qantas rolls out new seat allocation system that puts budget passengers and early-birders between a rock and an aisle.
My good friend Cheryl over at molt:n learned on a recent flight to the US that the flying kangaroo has quietly instituted a new seat allocation program that is both deplorable from a passenger experience perspective, and fair in a "Hey, ya pay for what ya get" kind of way.
The new system took effect in October apparently, and since then, your seat allocation has been based entirely on the fare you've paid for your ticket. Show up at the airport as early as you like, friends, but if your flight was a bargain you can bet your bottom dollar you'll be given a middle seat.
Complicated algorithms pre-assign seats so hot-deal holders get slotted in the middle, and premium prices earn priority seating. Check-in staff claim they aren't able to override the system, which was put into place because of abuse dished out by passengers upon learning they got the short straw.
While the system might be deemed "more fair" by some, it exempts Qantas staff from any customer service responsibility when it comes to seat allocation. The check-in clerk might be sympathetic if you're two-metres high and show up four hours early for your flight, but they won't be able to help you.
What do you think of this new system? Is it fair to get what you pay for, or do you think passengers arriving early deserve some sort of priority?
Source Ninemsn
This ws tried by Ansett with "Discount Ecconomy' class. Two Pax sitting next to each other. One gets a hot breakfast, one gets a roll and an OJ.
It was quickley dropped as it caused near riots.
Graheme said afterwards, "We should have realised that discout passengers are entitled to the same service. they pay for their cheaper seats with more restrictive conditions of travel".
To advertise cheap fares as promotions, extra revenue raisers or to fille mpty seats, then treat people who respond as FOURTH class passengers is bead business and tantamount to false advertising.