Airlines fear gathering storm

[dbaker]

Airlines fear gathering storm

Now Bethune's plan is to turn Continental into an airline that not only competes with Southwest at the very lowest end of the fare structure and in the international business class market at the other end, but reinvents how airline seats are priced.

He wants to employ computer technology so that in future, only a safe, on-time flight is included in the basic price. Such 'perks' as a meal, frequent flyer points, checking in a second bag, or sitting in a seat with extra legroom next to the emergency exit would all command a price and be added 'like pizza toppings' to the basic fare.

'We cannot reduce the industry to the lowest possible point and all become Southwest, but we have to respond to the market,' he said. He is contemplating removing galleys in economy class and giving passengers who have paid for a meal a bag of food before they board.

[chodson]

Can I request PB&J for my bag lunch, or would that be extra?

[dbaker]

It's either PB or J.

[Nugget]

Just returned from Toulouse and this trip's IAH->LGW segments are my first experience with the new "beer $3, wine $4 in steerage" policy. It was and will likely continue to be difficult to adjust to having to pay for drinks on international flights.

All the more reason to upgrade, I guess.