Ryanair is well known for making it onto this blog for having crazy ideas on how to cut costs, increase fees, and turn the airline pricing system on its head. I even started giving out “More Crazy Than Ryanair Awards’ to showcase moves that would make even Ryanair proud.
All of the complaints passengers seem to have about airlines having less room, having crazy fees, charging for food, or lacking customer service seem to go out the window when it comes to paying for a flight. While booking most flights, passengers will have a choice of which carrier to fly. Passengers have an option to pay more for additional room or choose an airline that might provide food or even a movie. At the actual moment of whipping out the credit card, it seems a lot of people stop caring about the amenities their flight will have and more about the bottom line.
Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Spring Airlines started out with the initial concept that Southwest Airlines started so long ago (common fleet, low prices, unique cost-cutting approaches). However, these budget airline have taken the concept to the next level and it seems to work (Ryanair just posted 18% ridership gain for June 2009 compared to June 2008).
I am sure airlines in America will sooner or later try some of the crazier ideas that have worked in Europe and might be working in Asia soon. Are Americans as open to saving more money no matter what the sacrifice? It seemed they were when Southwest came around, but how much of a cut are people willing to make before it goes too far?
A while back I showed how Air New Zealand has nothing to hide. I think they liked the free feeling of not wearing any clothes, so they are at it again. Now their air safety video has nothing to hide either. Instead of the dry talking about emergency exits and how to fasten your seat belt, they show you the “bare essentials” to your aircraft’s safety.
All the humor aside, I think these creative video safety messages are a good idea. Even for those who travel a lot, it gets your attention and makes you think about safety again.
Ok, bringing the humor back, also make sure you check out the bloopers reel!
Back in May I blogged about a new start up airline, Since then I have been following stories related to the airline and the same thoughts kept creeping in my mind, ’œIs this airline real? Will it ever fly?’
The airline was supposed to take flight on July 13th, but Jaunted and CrankyFlier think it might not be happening, and I have to agree. When trying to book a flight a message shows ’œFlight not available on selected date. See grid below for available flight dates.’ And now on the front page it shows, ’œError A system error has occurred. Please check back to the website shortly’
Both Jaunted and Crankyflier tried to call and ask what is happening and Cranky gave up after 10min (I don’t blame him), but Jaunted got through after 11min. JetAmerica said, ’œThere is a problem with our server. It is only booking flights for August and September. IT says all should be fixed by end of the day tomorrow’, which is today. When asked if they were still on for a first flight in July, they said, ’œAs far as I know, yeah.’ Of course the person on the other end of the line was most likely a customer service representative, but you would think they would be more confident in the airlines first flight!
I might eat my words, but I am guessing the airline won’t fly on July 13th and it might never fly at all.
UPDATE: Brett over at CrankyFlier got forwarded an email sent out from JetAmerica. It states they are delaying their first flight to August 14th due to “landing slot issues.” Read the entire letter here.
A McDonnell-Douglas MD-82 of American Airlines takes off from LAX.
Terry Williams, an American Airlines flight attendant, is suing Boeing after having a mist spray on her from the ventilation system from an MD-82 (Boeing bought McDonnell Douglas, which built the MD-82) aircraft. Williams states she has been suffering from chronic pain, tremors, migraines and vision issues.
Williams and her attorney allege that the ventilation system on the aircraft is faulty and the air is heavily contaminated. Her attorney said, “We believe the hazard is preventable. Sensors and filters are available. It’s up to the aircraft manufacturers to put them on.”
Boeing’s spokesperson Bernard Choi responded, “We believe that the air in airplane cabins is safe.”
This is not the first suit of it’s kind against Boeing. About seven years ago, flight attendants sued Boeing over hazardous air conditions, but the jury found Boeing not liable.
