Pvd-phl

[LongIsland2004]

Before SWA on the PHL-PVD route: Coach fares $ 718.70 R/T on US
Now: $78.00

What was the public getting that was worth that extra $ 600.00?

 

[BoeingBoy]

LongIsland2004,

Assuming that you didn't want to 1) connect to an international flight, 2) connect to a destination that SW won't serve (or doesn't serve thru BWI), 3) make an interline connection, or 4) use your ff status to upgrade to first class, not much.

If you want to do any of the above, some fare difference is probably justified. The only question is "how much?"

Jim

 

[BoeingBoy]

LongIsland2004,

Pre-SW start of service I should have added another reason...

5) fly non-stop PVD-PHL

Jim

 

[coolflyingfool]

While I can understand needing to make money whereever possible, for all airlines, the fares on the PHL-PVD route were insane. I actually needed to fly that route 2 times that I ended up driving. Both times the r/t fare was over $598. That equates to a yeild of $2.00 a mile for US. That was for a coach seat. That has to be one of the highest yeilds, if not the highest, in the US system. I drove it both times as I could not justify the expense. If the opportunity presents itself again, I will fly it on whoever has the lowest fare available, which will be under $198 roundtrip, and that I can justify.

 

[ClueByFour]

The benefits that BB lists are worth something.

Certainly not $500. $50-75? Perhaps.

 

[More Facts and Less Emotion]

Before SWA on the PHL-PVD route: Coach fares $ 718.70 R/T on US
Now: $78.00

What was the public getting that was worth that extra $ 600.00?

From a pure benefit perspective, customers received the following for their $600 extra in the PVD to PHL market in the past:
-nonstop flight
-Preassigned seating
-Miles that could be burned to exotic destinations in Europe or the Caribbean

The list is substantial, but not $600 worth. I guess that's why these types of fares are labeled "irrational".

So instead, how about this as an explanation:
The facts based on many of the articles written lately, suggests the markets with $600 fares(like PVD-PHL) are necessary in order for US to support:

- A more senior workforce that is higher on the pay scale than most LCCs
- Res agents that make more than JetBlue
- Insourced heavy maintenance vs. outsourced heavy maintenance at Southwest
- Pensions/401k/benefits for many groups that are not as lucrative at LCCs
- Less productive work rules compared to LCCs that require more employees

The problem is that US is running out of high fare markets to retreat to.

 

[LongIsland2004]

In the PVD-PHL market, SWA will have a Non-stop. Look for SWA to start ISP-PHL soon after the new SWA Terminal is opened in late spring 2004. Currently, US is charging $ 718.70 for walk fares in that market using decade old props with no first class.