Articles tagged “passenger experience”

By adding a new premium-heavy configuration, United Airlines will be increasing operational complexity. It is hoping it can offset that with increased revenue. Will the plan work?

Today, United's rationale makes sense. Premium demand in many markets is robust, and United could probably make more money with more seats to sell. But what happens if business class demand drops at some point?

Over the past couple of decades, most U.S. airlines have focused on transporting customers from point A to B in relative comfort. Delta wants to go beyond, hoping passengers will view it as a trusted consumer brand. If they do, Delta may be able to command an even bigger revenue premium over its competitors.

The premium economy cabin many global airlines are installing isn't much like regular economy. So why do many airlines include "economy" in its name?

Remember when airlines used to give away their best seats for free? Ha! The economy is strong, and airlines are offering fewer upgrades. Passengers who want to sit up front need to pay for it. But don't worry. Another recession will come, and the good days (for upgraders, at least) should return.

Will data science change how airlines stock food and drink carts? It could happen, and EasyJet is leading the way.

Passengers sitting in the back of the airplane hate it when an airline runs out of food for sale. But airlines also hate waste, and they usually must throw out uneaten fresh food the same day. How do airlines decide how much food and drink to board? It's a delicate dance.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines recently told investors they're making big revenue from premium-seat upsells. Not surprisingly, American wants a piece of that action. But it has some IT work to do first.

No matter what Emirates President Tim Clark says, the airline probably wishes it had moved faster to add premium economy. Most airlines say it has been selling well, as customers are flush with more disposable income. Of course, if and when a recession hits, passengers will stop spending on these perks.

American Airlines’ Premium Economy offering shows that airlines are going beyond the traditional cabin hierarchy to provide passengers with elevated in-flight experiences at a range of price points.