US Airways and America West advertise that they are the world's largest low-fare airline when in fact, from the fares I have checked, are only a "low-fare" carrier in markets where they compete with WN, JetBlue, AirTran, etc. Don't all airlines pretty much match other airlines' fares? If that be the case, and with AA be much, much larger than the new US Airways, isn't AA the world's largest low-fare carrier? Any thoughts?
Aa - Largest Low Fare Carrier In The World?
- Thread starter TXL
- Start date
So far you have proved nothing.
Doesnt SWA report higher RASMs than most other airlines that charge more for their tickets? And doesnt SWA have the highest yield?
If AA is not the biggest low fare carrier in the world then they are certainly the biggest low wage carrier in the world.
The difference is WN's highest walkup fare is $299
will fix for food
Veteran
- Aug 20, 2002
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http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/aviation/finance/fin20052.pdf
Checkout chart 15. AA's yield is higher than SWA. Eagle's yield is highest of them all.
In fact the whole thing is a very interesting read.
corl737
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- Jun 13, 2005
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Thanks for posting the link.
Southwest is certainly the largest FAIR FARE airline in the world. But AA commands a higher yield than WN - as will fix for food pointed out.
Sure, AA matches lots of fare sales, but of course that doesn't mean it sells out the entire planeload at the sale price. B)
Sure, AA matches lots of fare sales, but of course that doesn't mean it sells out the entire planeload at the sale price. B)
Wn is by no means the "low fare" operator it claims. They just have some slick advertising. If you check their fares in some markets they are the HIGHEST. They are generally the lowest in markets where there is a lot of competition. But where there is little or none they are generally pretty expensive.
operaations
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- Jul 31, 2003
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FWAA would you be willing for AA to offer the exact same fares as WN nothing higher than 299 walk up.
What do you think that would do to our chances at getting out of this hole we are in. I bet it would start a huge round of concessions...downsizing...and layoffs
What do you think that would do to our chances at getting out of this hole we are in. I bet it would start a huge round of concessions...downsizing...and layoffs
Hell, no! I've never advocated AA cutting its walkup fares to match WN's $299. As you correctly point out, that would hasten AA's demise (and more concessions).
I'm a defender of both WN and AA. I fly both airlines. I live in Los Angeles. When I fly to PHX, I fly WN by necessity, since AA has completely abandoned the market. WN's walkup fare is fair, so I don't mind paying it. $104 walkup one way is fair. Same with last minute trips to the Bay area. I can fly from BUR to SJC or OAK on WN for $112 walkup. That's a great deal. But those are short flights. When I can plan ahead, WN fares are downright cheap.
On the other hand, when I fly to New York or Miami, I don't want to hop-scotch across the country to ISP or FLL on WN. For a long flight, I'm willing to give AA more than $299 each way for a walkup fare. As an EXP, I'm practically guaranteed a J seat on the transcons, and today I can buy a Y26T LAX-MIA on a 763 each way for $529 each way. Not incredibly cheap, but not excessive, considering that I'd probably get a J seat each way on a widebody with a decent meal and room to stretch out and work or relax. Worth it, in my book. I could save some money and connect, in fact, but I place a value on the nonstop 763. Much better value than an MD-80 to ORD or DFW followed by a 757 or 738. The 763 seat is worth some extra money.
Borescope is correct - WN is not always the cheapest. But I doubt they are ever the most expensive walkup option. And they never charge extortionate or gouging fares.
Again compare walkup fares or no restriction fares which many business travelers purchase
