EJ pax stage sit-in at LFMN
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EJ pax stage sit-in at LFMN
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Heidi may have been paying for £350 for her return, but some lucky passengers could have been paying around £50. That's the reality of the low cost pricing structure, some will get it cheap and others expensive.
It some cases BA and bmi may be cheaper than the likes of easyJet, but it really depends on individual cases. The key message that BA should be getting across is that easyJet are not always the cheapest, so it pays to check around and not just assume that because it's a "low cost" airline that their fare will always be the cheapest.
In Heidi's case it would be interesting to know when she saw that easyJet was £350 whether she checked what BA were offering at the same time.
It some cases BA and bmi may be cheaper than the likes of easyJet, but it really depends on individual cases. The key message that BA should be getting across is that easyJet are not always the cheapest, so it pays to check around and not just assume that because it's a "low cost" airline that their fare will always be the cheapest.
In Heidi's case it would be interesting to know when she saw that easyJet was £350 whether she checked what BA were offering at the same time.
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True true. Would be interesting to compare the fares. But even at £50 Heidi should not have been sat on a plane then told please get off. TLC some call it or just good customer service.
Some bad handling down in NCE. Paxs will except (in a sort of way) an aircraft problem if handled right. At least 3 times now I`ve return to stand and unloaded paxs because of tec a/c, so theres one or two paxs who aint pleased but never quite had a sit in. It all goes no how you handle the situation.
Yes even had the paxs who demands that they are let off the a/c "I`m being held against my will! I`m going to take you to court! You`re kidnapping me! Holding me hostage!!" at the time we were sat on a taxi way middle of LHR when there was the big computer crash at Swanwick. So it works both ways?
Some bad handling down in NCE. Paxs will except (in a sort of way) an aircraft problem if handled right. At least 3 times now I`ve return to stand and unloaded paxs because of tec a/c, so theres one or two paxs who aint pleased but never quite had a sit in. It all goes no how you handle the situation.
Yes even had the paxs who demands that they are let off the a/c "I`m being held against my will! I`m going to take you to court! You`re kidnapping me! Holding me hostage!!" at the time we were sat on a taxi way middle of LHR when there was the big computer crash at Swanwick. So it works both ways?
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Exactly, Brabazon.
It has astounded me for many years why BMI, BA, etc haven't exploded the "low cost" myth put about by Strokios, O'Lordy, Beardy & co.
Certainly, with the "low cost" carriers, if you make your booking when the seats are first released, you can pick up some amazing bargains. But, if you book close or very close to your travel dates, you will find yourself subject to some serious "price gouging".
In almost every circumstance, I have found (my preferred carrier) BMI to offer the cheapest fares on the routes I travel (most of which are also covered by the "Low cost"s). And now, with the move by BMI (and BA) to a "low cost" sales model, it is much easier to compare prices.
In fact, I "switched" (apologies to Apple) to BMI from Easyjet about 4 years ago, not only because the fares on British Midland (as then was) were lower, but because on the primary route I travelled (LON NCE) there wasn't even any availability on EZY in the summer season. Moreover, by using the BM EuroPass I was even able to travel biz class with guaranteed seat availability at a lower price than I could get on EZY cattle (sorry economy) class!
Of course, once I moved to BMI, with its friendly cabin service, I just couldn't face the prospect of the "every man for himself" boarding scrum, and the "we are sorry to announce that we haven't got any hot water to make tea" amateurism of EZY.
The sad truth is that "low cost" (which is a biz model / corporate costs issue) is not (necessarily) synonymous with "low price", and the consumer needs to made ware of this.
One way to overcome this "deception" would be to obligate ALL airlines to show price range (for the comparable seating class) in their adverts rather than headline "from" fares. This would be much fairer (no pun intended) to the travelling public.
Just to be clear, I am not averse to travel on "low cost" carriers, and have travelled on the excellent GO on many occasions; alas even this avenue will disappear once EZY import their "value proposition".
Finally, many of the UK "low cost" operators doff their caps to Herb Keleher as the man from whom they take inspiration. But, if you have ever travelled on SouthWest, you will know that the UK operators offer a very poor quality product by comparison!
My $0.02
It has astounded me for many years why BMI, BA, etc haven't exploded the "low cost" myth put about by Strokios, O'Lordy, Beardy & co.
Certainly, with the "low cost" carriers, if you make your booking when the seats are first released, you can pick up some amazing bargains. But, if you book close or very close to your travel dates, you will find yourself subject to some serious "price gouging".
In almost every circumstance, I have found (my preferred carrier) BMI to offer the cheapest fares on the routes I travel (most of which are also covered by the "Low cost"s). And now, with the move by BMI (and BA) to a "low cost" sales model, it is much easier to compare prices.
In fact, I "switched" (apologies to Apple) to BMI from Easyjet about 4 years ago, not only because the fares on British Midland (as then was) were lower, but because on the primary route I travelled (LON NCE) there wasn't even any availability on EZY in the summer season. Moreover, by using the BM EuroPass I was even able to travel biz class with guaranteed seat availability at a lower price than I could get on EZY cattle (sorry economy) class!
Of course, once I moved to BMI, with its friendly cabin service, I just couldn't face the prospect of the "every man for himself" boarding scrum, and the "we are sorry to announce that we haven't got any hot water to make tea" amateurism of EZY.
The sad truth is that "low cost" (which is a biz model / corporate costs issue) is not (necessarily) synonymous with "low price", and the consumer needs to made ware of this.
One way to overcome this "deception" would be to obligate ALL airlines to show price range (for the comparable seating class) in their adverts rather than headline "from" fares. This would be much fairer (no pun intended) to the travelling public.
Just to be clear, I am not averse to travel on "low cost" carriers, and have travelled on the excellent GO on many occasions; alas even this avenue will disappear once EZY import their "value proposition".
Finally, many of the UK "low cost" operators doff their caps to Herb Keleher as the man from whom they take inspiration. But, if you have ever travelled on SouthWest, you will know that the UK operators offer a very poor quality product by comparison!
My $0.02
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What I will say is this story is get a lot of coverage on the news, with interviews with the paxs. The watchdogs of this world and other "aviation specialist" all being wheeled in. I`m local to Luton as well so this news is top story. Wonder how ops feel now in the orange hut at LTN.
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Interesting that this story had major coverage on BBC when the Easy programme is on ITV this very evening.
I wonder if what might have been a spoiling story actually increases the numbers watching Airline or are the BBC confident that they can hold on to the audience with the Commonwealth games?
quaerereverum
Like you I have wondered why the esatblished airlines ghave not expoited the low price myth. Must be some marketing explanation somewhere.
I wonder if what might have been a spoiling story actually increases the numbers watching Airline or are the BBC confident that they can hold on to the audience with the Commonwealth games?
quaerereverum
Like you I have wondered why the esatblished airlines ghave not expoited the low price myth. Must be some marketing explanation somewhere.
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My crew positioned GLA-LTN with Orange @ UK£160 each 
At those prices I'd rather take BA/BMI, and enjoy the trimmings.
I fly Orange only when my company tells me to do so - other times I'll pay any price and bear any burden to get away from them.
At those prices I'd rather take BA/BMI, and enjoy the trimmings. I fly Orange only when my company tells me to do so - other times I'll pay any price and bear any burden to get away from them.
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Just to point out how utterly strange and uncomprehensible airline price structures are, I recently flew round trip RIX-LHR-FAO for $485 in the middle of the summer season on BA/GB. Had to wait two hours in that depressing Terminal one for connections, but what the hell. From here Riga-London-Riga costs $350.
I also recently flew to Hamburg (and flew almost over Hamburg) on BA for $450 round trip, also through LHR, yet again through that dismal Terminal 1. The local airBaltic/SAS connection wanted $695 with a stop in CPH.
All prices quoted are in U.S. dollars.
If you have to go from point A to point B with no connections, no family and no luggage, I wouldn't mind taking the so-called cheapies, but I think that I got a very reasonable deal with an established carrier who will even deliver lost luggage at your home the quickest way possible, even if they are other carriers.
Good for BA.
I also recently flew to Hamburg (and flew almost over Hamburg) on BA for $450 round trip, also through LHR, yet again through that dismal Terminal 1. The local airBaltic/SAS connection wanted $695 with a stop in CPH.
All prices quoted are in U.S. dollars.
If you have to go from point A to point B with no connections, no family and no luggage, I wouldn't mind taking the so-called cheapies, but I think that I got a very reasonable deal with an established carrier who will even deliver lost luggage at your home the quickest way possible, even if they are other carriers.
Good for BA.
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Another orange bashing thread!Great!! When I saw this on tv i knew what would be going on here. Why is it every time EZY make the news it turns into a thrashing. Apart from when they announce their figures that is. Then all goes quiet.
Are we losing sight of the fact these ignorant B£%&$@?s completely disregarded the instruction of the captain. They should be bloody well flogged. How dare they take matters into their own hands in such a derogatory way. What if it had been tech would these clowns still have had their petty sit in? I hope the EZY management see their petition for what it is and place it in the nearest loo to cut down on bog roll costs. Mind you it won't be very long. They should never be allowed on an EZY flight again.
If this had been BA would we all be getting stuck in. I was on a LGW_MAN 4 weeks ago when my flight was cancelled and the next one delayed an hour. The reason? Don't know no-one told us. At least EZY were honest.
Tight slot, I'm glad you find a sandwich in a box "all the trimmings". Until recently I was paying £250+ for GLA-LHR. The only reason prices are coming down is the competition from low cost sector. The Nigels had been stinging us for years and still would be if they could get away with it.
Are we losing sight of the fact these ignorant B£%&$@?s completely disregarded the instruction of the captain. They should be bloody well flogged. How dare they take matters into their own hands in such a derogatory way. What if it had been tech would these clowns still have had their petty sit in? I hope the EZY management see their petition for what it is and place it in the nearest loo to cut down on bog roll costs. Mind you it won't be very long. They should never be allowed on an EZY flight again.
If this had been BA would we all be getting stuck in. I was on a LGW_MAN 4 weeks ago when my flight was cancelled and the next one delayed an hour. The reason? Don't know no-one told us. At least EZY were honest.
Tight slot, I'm glad you find a sandwich in a box "all the trimmings". Until recently I was paying £250+ for GLA-LHR. The only reason prices are coming down is the competition from low cost sector. The Nigels had been stinging us for years and still would be if they could get away with it.
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Er...forgive me for pointing this out, Silverknapper, but those impressive financial figures are not generated by EZY, they're generated by the "ignorant" passengers who probably felt pretty narked about having to get off a flight that they'd booked and paid for.
What if the aircraft had gone tech? Um...I don't recall the passengers on the other EZY aircraft (the one that DID break down) staying on board.
I agree that the Captain is the authority figure on an aircraft, when it comes to flight safety and related matters. But he's not there to put his airline's convenience ahead of his passengers'. EZY can't have it both ways -- if it's going to crack the whip at check-in and be hard on late passengers to ensure punctuality, then it ought to lie in the bed it's made.
Next time you're on board one of British Rail's finest during a massive snarl-up, you might ask yourself whether you'd be prepared to get off your train so that it can be reloaded with other passengers who've been delayed longer than you, while you wait around for an eventual replacement. Call me cynical, but I doubt anyone would -- including me. And I'm not paying anywhere near £350 a ticket.
What if the aircraft had gone tech? Um...I don't recall the passengers on the other EZY aircraft (the one that DID break down) staying on board.
I agree that the Captain is the authority figure on an aircraft, when it comes to flight safety and related matters. But he's not there to put his airline's convenience ahead of his passengers'. EZY can't have it both ways -- if it's going to crack the whip at check-in and be hard on late passengers to ensure punctuality, then it ought to lie in the bed it's made.
Next time you're on board one of British Rail's finest during a massive snarl-up, you might ask yourself whether you'd be prepared to get off your train so that it can be reloaded with other passengers who've been delayed longer than you, while you wait around for an eventual replacement. Call me cynical, but I doubt anyone would -- including me. And I'm not paying anywhere near £350 a ticket.
Last edited by Kalium Chloride; 29th Jul 2002 at 22:33.
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About three weeks ago something very similar happened with KLM-UK in Amsterdam: Flight to Manchester delayed (tech) prior to boarding of pax. After just over an hour pax directed to board aircraft that had been due to go to Stansted. Presumably the STN pax got away without too long a delay...
I am guessing but, without making a judgement, it seems to me that the airline has the choice of one flight delayed several hours and the resulting compensation, or two flights with shorter delays and no compensation. One choice makes sense for the airline, the other will raise mixed feelings from the passengers depending on their personal situation.
ND
I am guessing but, without making a judgement, it seems to me that the airline has the choice of one flight delayed several hours and the resulting compensation, or two flights with shorter delays and no compensation. One choice makes sense for the airline, the other will raise mixed feelings from the passengers depending on their personal situation.
ND
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Folks , so sorry to let the truth get in the way of a good story................
A fare comparison in the latest issue of leading business magazine, Business Traveller, confirms what easyJet has been saying all along - traditional airlines continue to rip off travellers. Despite the introduction of "new low fares" by the likes of BA, the article concludes that "conventional airline fares remain stubbornly high at busy times".
Business Traveller compared the fares for a day trip to Amsterdam from London on Monday 1 July. The easyJet fare was by far the lowest at just £113. In comparison, Bmi charged £213, KLM £266, and BA a whopping £339!
A similar comparison on a day trip to Paris from London once again showed easyJet to be the cheapest option with a fare of £135, followed by Bmi at £203, and BA and Air France charging a staggering £289 and £299 respectively.
BA claims that 50,000 "new low fares" are being made available each month. But when you consider that easyJet sells one million low-fare seats every month, Business Traveller magazine's findings aren't surprising!
A fare comparison in the latest issue of leading business magazine, Business Traveller, confirms what easyJet has been saying all along - traditional airlines continue to rip off travellers. Despite the introduction of "new low fares" by the likes of BA, the article concludes that "conventional airline fares remain stubbornly high at busy times".
Business Traveller compared the fares for a day trip to Amsterdam from London on Monday 1 July. The easyJet fare was by far the lowest at just £113. In comparison, Bmi charged £213, KLM £266, and BA a whopping £339!
A similar comparison on a day trip to Paris from London once again showed easyJet to be the cheapest option with a fare of £135, followed by Bmi at £203, and BA and Air France charging a staggering £289 and £299 respectively.
BA claims that 50,000 "new low fares" are being made available each month. But when you consider that easyJet sells one million low-fare seats every month, Business Traveller magazine's findings aren't surprising!
Spud, you are quite right they are not all low cost seats!. All of the LCA's that I am aware of make it quite clear that the earlier you book, the cheaper the seat, a very simple formulae, and very well publicised.
for example
easy today LTN-ABZ return tomorrow 01 Aug 143 up 144 down total price 166.30 gbp (cant book 141 its already gone)
same trip tue 27th Aug up on 141 down wed 28th on 144 total price 37.30 gbp
no offence spud, but see how it works?
By the way GNER rail return up today back on the first KX - ABZ £196.00 standard fare, you can get it much lower if you book early though
for example
easy today LTN-ABZ return tomorrow 01 Aug 143 up 144 down total price 166.30 gbp (cant book 141 its already gone)
same trip tue 27th Aug up on 141 down wed 28th on 144 total price 37.30 gbp
no offence spud, but see how it works?
By the way GNER rail return up today back on the first KX - ABZ £196.00 standard fare, you can get it much lower if you book early though
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No offence taken, I've no axe to grind (did a bit of driving for EZY in the early days myself).
It seems to me that you get what you pay for if you get an early bargain, you subsidise the cheaper seats by paying a premium if you book later. There are winners and losers and the losers get the same service as the winners.
Anyway, it's a free world, and that's why four of us are going LHR to AMS on the 11th August with bmi for £28.50 each plus tax.
easyChoice.
It seems to me that you get what you pay for if you get an early bargain, you subsidise the cheaper seats by paying a premium if you book later. There are winners and losers and the losers get the same service as the winners.
Anyway, it's a free world, and that's why four of us are going LHR to AMS on the 11th August with bmi for £28.50 each plus tax.
easyChoice.
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Just a quick aside on this argument, does anyone think these idiots would have reacted like this were it not for the Airline TV programme. Surely watching this week in week out makes people think that crew are there to be defied and argued with. The Reeds staff they argue with wear the EZY uniform so perhaps they think they can get away with it or get their way.
Kalium, would disagree on one point. The captain is there to put the airline convenience before passengers in my view. Obviously safety first but by getting the CDG pax away it would have prevented a refund situation occuring for 2 sets of pax, the ones on the original tech flight and the ones waiting at CDG for their flight. Obviously it was a terrible situation to be placed in but had they gone quietly EZY would not have the potential to be paying out 300 refunds. The pax going to UK would only have been delayed an hour apparently.
Kalium, would disagree on one point. The captain is there to put the airline convenience before passengers in my view. Obviously safety first but by getting the CDG pax away it would have prevented a refund situation occuring for 2 sets of pax, the ones on the original tech flight and the ones waiting at CDG for their flight. Obviously it was a terrible situation to be placed in but had they gone quietly EZY would not have the potential to be paying out 300 refunds. The pax going to UK would only have been delayed an hour apparently.
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Well I am no legal eagle, but did these people not technically hijack the aircraft?
If I were in charge, I would look into what sort of legal action might be taken against them.
silverknapper,
I agree entirely with what you say. It really is about time the passengers displaying this sort of attitude were made to realise that they are not the only people on the planet and their actions might just have of wider repercussions.
In my view, incidents of passenger action like this are likely to increase unless positive action is taken to stop it!
If I were in charge, I would look into what sort of legal action might be taken against them.
silverknapper,
I agree entirely with what you say. It really is about time the passengers displaying this sort of attitude were made to realise that they are not the only people on the planet and their actions might just have of wider repercussions.
In my view, incidents of passenger action like this are likely to increase unless positive action is taken to stop it!