Bring Back Honest Fares
You get what you pay for
I did an analysis for a client not so long ago of the average yields on a number of routes operated competitively by locos and BA. This included those routes where the loco's idea of how close to a city an airport needs to be, to be sold as serving that city, was rather different from any normal person's.
All charges were included in the analysis.
There were several where the loco's average was higher than the rest, and this was due to the large number of last-minute (business?) sales. I rather think that the penny has dropped with many people now, who realise that they can pay a lot less for an infinitely better product by not buying from Ryanair, Easyjet et al, if they need to very travel urgently.
A very senior FR executive once said to me that they sometimes double the revenue, at least, on a sector from the sales of 5-10% of the seats in the 72 hours before the flight, which they retained for this purpose. That may or may not the the case now. He regarded those who bought them as mugs ready for fleecing.
All charges were included in the analysis.
There were several where the loco's average was higher than the rest, and this was due to the large number of last-minute (business?) sales. I rather think that the penny has dropped with many people now, who realise that they can pay a lot less for an infinitely better product by not buying from Ryanair, Easyjet et al, if they need to very travel urgently.
A very senior FR executive once said to me that they sometimes double the revenue, at least, on a sector from the sales of 5-10% of the seats in the 72 hours before the flight, which they retained for this purpose. That may or may not the the case now. He regarded those who bought them as mugs ready for fleecing.
Paxing All Over The World
Avman
Insert 'smiley' of doffing cap! 
There is no doubt that the permutations of the modern airline has many more yet to run. The basic premise is, of course, as old as the hills. Make the headline price as low as you can.
It does not matter whether it is a sign over a supermarket freezer that says "Buy One Get One Free" (BOGOF) or a large billboard outside a motor car show room advising that, you can now buy the GLX model for the price of the GL. Once inside, you find that you have to buy it TODAY but it got you in the door.
ALL advertising of ALL products aim to do this. If only the majority of humans were not so culturally directed into always demanding the lowest price and to feel that they have got a 'bargain'.
The reason that we are grinding our teeth about this is because the practise is changing during our lifetime. The 18 year old starting off on their first summer vacation on their own - will not even think twice about having to pay extra for the cases because that's how they have always been charged. I, too, do not like the change but it is just one more to add to the tally that is spurring me on to become a grumpy old man.
a Hybrid Carrier (you heard the term here first folks
There is no doubt that the permutations of the modern airline has many more yet to run. The basic premise is, of course, as old as the hills. Make the headline price as low as you can.
It does not matter whether it is a sign over a supermarket freezer that says "Buy One Get One Free" (BOGOF) or a large billboard outside a motor car show room advising that, you can now buy the GLX model for the price of the GL. Once inside, you find that you have to buy it TODAY but it got you in the door.
ALL advertising of ALL products aim to do this. If only the majority of humans were not so culturally directed into always demanding the lowest price and to feel that they have got a 'bargain'.
The reason that we are grinding our teeth about this is because the practise is changing during our lifetime. The 18 year old starting off on their first summer vacation on their own - will not even think twice about having to pay extra for the cases because that's how they have always been charged. I, too, do not like the change but it is just one more to add to the tally that is spurring me on to become a grumpy old man.
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I find it difficult to agree with much of what has been written here. As someone who flies well over 60 sectors a year - including some in BA First and Club World as well as with both Ryanair and easyJet - I feel able to make comparisons. In relation to onboard service, I have found Ryanair crew, for example, to be courteous and professional. I fail to understand the "they don't treat you as a person" and "you get what you pay for" arguments. I have received truly abysmal service from some so-called "full service" airlines, both in the air and when it comes to dealing with complaints afterwards.
Some have commented on the "extras" they have to pay. Checking luggage and checking in at the airport impose extra costs on the airline and I feel that the user should pay. Would these posters abolish excess baggage charges on the same principle?
I regard punctuality as important and, in relation to this, Ryanair has to be congratulated. I can't remember the last time I suffered a delay of any significance with them.
On the other hand I have yet to experience what help I would get if a low cost carrier left me stranded. Are there posters out there who have been in this position?
Lastly, reclining seats. I regard these as a nuisance. Ever tried reading a broadsheet newspaper with the seat in front reclined? Who needs reclining seats on short haul flights?
Some have commented on the "extras" they have to pay. Checking luggage and checking in at the airport impose extra costs on the airline and I feel that the user should pay. Would these posters abolish excess baggage charges on the same principle?
I regard punctuality as important and, in relation to this, Ryanair has to be congratulated. I can't remember the last time I suffered a delay of any significance with them.
On the other hand I have yet to experience what help I would get if a low cost carrier left me stranded. Are there posters out there who have been in this position?
Lastly, reclining seats. I regard these as a nuisance. Ever tried reading a broadsheet newspaper with the seat in front reclined? Who needs reclining seats on short haul flights?
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Good Low Cost service
My dad was returning from Malaga to LGW a short time ago. There was a massive jam on the motorway, and he missed his flight.
Contrary to the impressions given on the TV programs, he went to the Easybus desk, and they simply offered to transfer him to the next LGW flight at no extra charge. Unfortunately, this was about 12 hours. He asked more, and they offered him a flight to LUT in about 1 hour. They then said that the LUT flight was €2 cheaper, but asked if he minded waiving the refund because it was difficult to process.
As I say, this is definitely not the impression that you get from the TV programs. Perhaps, like most events in life, we tend to hear the bad experiences. I see nothing wrong with low cost carriers. For those of us that do not live near London, they have certainly opened up regional airports.
Contrary to the impressions given on the TV programs, he went to the Easybus desk, and they simply offered to transfer him to the next LGW flight at no extra charge. Unfortunately, this was about 12 hours. He asked more, and they offered him a flight to LUT in about 1 hour. They then said that the LUT flight was €2 cheaper, but asked if he minded waiving the refund because it was difficult to process.
As I say, this is definitely not the impression that you get from the TV programs. Perhaps, like most events in life, we tend to hear the bad experiences. I see nothing wrong with low cost carriers. For those of us that do not live near London, they have certainly opened up regional airports.
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I too hate the practices being adopted, how many pax fly to e.g. Tenerife with only a toothbrush?
I do agree though with seat62K, flew KLM long haul and we were treated worse than cattle with subsequent complaint ignored. Also flew Alitalia via Rome, nice you may think but airport was an hour away by fast train.
I suppose the charges on LCC were almost inevitable (seen the price of oil these days?) but fairer advertising costs nothing.
I do agree though with seat62K, flew KLM long haul and we were treated worse than cattle with subsequent complaint ignored. Also flew Alitalia via Rome, nice you may think but airport was an hour away by fast train.
I suppose the charges on LCC were almost inevitable (seen the price of oil these days?) but fairer advertising costs nothing.
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Now back to topic.
Yes Arfur I fully agree. There is no reason whatsoever why airlines should not show ALL charges (both non-optional and optional) on the flight select page. In not doing so they are guilty of misleading practices in my opinion.
It can be done. Look at the BA website. THE PRICE SHOWN FOR YOUR SELECTED FLIGHTS IS THE PRICE YOU PAY.
Yes Arfur I fully agree. There is no reason whatsoever why airlines should not show ALL charges (both non-optional and optional) on the flight select page. In not doing so they are guilty of misleading practices in my opinion.
It can be done. Look at the BA website. THE PRICE SHOWN FOR YOUR SELECTED FLIGHTS IS THE PRICE YOU PAY.
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I am
very sorry to hear your comments .But as a regular traveller with Ryanair ( 100 flights last year ) i have never had bad Customer Service even when i flew LPL - FUE this year 4 hr flight Cabin Crew were attentive and very happy to assist you.My list of 100 flights includes RIX DUB SNN GIR FUE BLK LBA LPL STN BTS .I am also a regular upon Jet2
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Yes Arfur I fully agree. There is no reason whatsoever why airlines should not show ALL charges (both non-optional and optional) on the flight select page. In not doing so they are guilty of misleading practices in my opinion.
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Surely in this day and age , with all the technology avalabale , airline can/could produce a fare (albeit lowcost or legacy) that includes all taxes charges and baggage, with out the customer doing all the work.If i wanted to be a travel agent...I would have become one! Or maybe i should sent a fee to said airline for costs covering the expense its cost me to book flight in first place, paper, ink, electric etc..
The reality is these days, is its not so mcuh harder to compare flights , just so much more time consuming, having to go through page after page of extras before gettin a final price, which at end of day is all any of us want. I would much rather see a flight at say £100 all in, rather than £1 plus taxes and charges...What happend to that airlines were sposed to be showing prices that way ?
The reality is these days, is its not so mcuh harder to compare flights , just so much more time consuming, having to go through page after page of extras before gettin a final price, which at end of day is all any of us want. I would much rather see a flight at say £100 all in, rather than £1 plus taxes and charges...What happend to that airlines were sposed to be showing prices that way ?
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The difficulty with showing an "all in" fare covering everything is that there is a range of options... checking in 1, 2, 3 or no bags at all? Checking in online or at the airport or at a self service kiosk? Which options you choose will affect the end price. Low cost airlines advertise the cheapest possible fare ,ie no bags, check in online, because it is possible to do that. Anything else gets charged for.
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Based
Perhaps you never noticed the 'Fuel Supplement' in addition to the credit card charge.
It is not a case of getting worked up about anything, it is simply debating the question of airlines not being up-front or transparent with certain charges.
Let me give you an example.
Two adults + two children from MAN-FAO with a well known loco airline.
Fare including taxes and charges - £444. It is not until you get well into the booking process that you find out exactly how much the additional charges are. First there is a Fuel Supplement of £31.28. Then a Credit Card charge of £16 (£2 per person per flight) and finally £47.92 Baggage Charge (£5.99 per bag per flight). Total add-on charges £95.20. That is 21.44% on top of the fare quoted on the Flight Select page.
Taking this example, why could this airline not show complete transparency and display all charges on the Flight Select page as follows:
Fare (inc taxes & charges) - £444.00
Fuel Supplement - £31.28
Credit Card Charge - £16.00
TOTAL BASIC FARE - £491.28
OPTIONAL CHARGES
Baggage - £5.99 per bag per flight (£10.00 at airport)
Seat Selection - £xx per pax per flight
Extra Legroom - £xx per pax per flight
Quite simply, the basic fare qoted should include ALL charges which you will HAVE TO PAY. In displaying Optional Charges on the same page will allow you to calculate the total cost at a glance.
How airlines are allowed to bury a Fuel Supplement deep into the booking process is beyond me. It should be incorporated into Taxes & Charges.
This is not a rant or getting worked up about anything. It is simply a comment on the pricing policies of certain airlines.
It is not a case of getting worked up about anything, it is simply debating the question of airlines not being up-front or transparent with certain charges.
Let me give you an example.
Two adults + two children from MAN-FAO with a well known loco airline.
Fare including taxes and charges - £444. It is not until you get well into the booking process that you find out exactly how much the additional charges are. First there is a Fuel Supplement of £31.28. Then a Credit Card charge of £16 (£2 per person per flight) and finally £47.92 Baggage Charge (£5.99 per bag per flight). Total add-on charges £95.20. That is 21.44% on top of the fare quoted on the Flight Select page.
Taking this example, why could this airline not show complete transparency and display all charges on the Flight Select page as follows:
Fare (inc taxes & charges) - £444.00
Fuel Supplement - £31.28
Credit Card Charge - £16.00
TOTAL BASIC FARE - £491.28
OPTIONAL CHARGES
Baggage - £5.99 per bag per flight (£10.00 at airport)
Seat Selection - £xx per pax per flight
Extra Legroom - £xx per pax per flight
Quite simply, the basic fare qoted should include ALL charges which you will HAVE TO PAY. In displaying Optional Charges on the same page will allow you to calculate the total cost at a glance.
How airlines are allowed to bury a Fuel Supplement deep into the booking process is beyond me. It should be incorporated into Taxes & Charges.
This is not a rant or getting worked up about anything. It is simply a comment on the pricing policies of certain airlines.
