How low can airlines go before passengers just give up?
It must be quite a challenge for marketers to have to advertise a constant DECREASE in service to customers while airline ticket costs continue to rise.
It seems relatively easy to market a product when you are adding special features and services to customers, but how do you sell the concept of "get less for more money" to consumers?
The only marketing position that comes to mind is the idea of "a la carte" flying--the idea that the world of full-service airline travel has changed forever--and get used to it.
Welcome to the world of pay-for-play travel.
Pay-up or take the bus.
First there were fees for security, fuel surcharges, baggage, additional legroom and even food. Airlines have floated the idea of charging passengers by weight, and Ryanair announced they were thinking of charging for the use of toilets on planes, and asking passengers to self-load their luggage into the belly of the plane to help reduce the cost of baggage handling (both ideas presumed to be for promotional-hype only).
What's next? A fee for a seat?
Well, yes.
China's Spring Airlines says it has been considering the concept of selling "standing room only" fares since the beginning of the year to accommodate a surge in passenger volume.
While a representative for the airline claims that the new method is "just like bar stools," it could allow for 40% more passengers and cut costs by 20%, while lowering airfare for consumers.
The idea, apparently, has been floated around for some time. Back in 2006 it was reported that Airbus had been quietly pitching the standing-room-only option to Asian airlines.
Passengers in the standing section would be propped against a padded backboard, held in place with a harness.
What's next, a fee for flying while inside the plane?
"Our base fare is for wing-seating only. If you'd like to sit in the main cabin, our rate is..."
Graphic source: The New York Times
