More Airline Trickeration

[marmar]

from the Detroit Free Press:


Thanks to reader Ronald Horwitz of Farmington Hills who rang the alarm on a new fare scheme from Delta Air Lines.

"Have you noticed the latest sneaky way Delta has increased their fares? On certain itineraries from Detroit to Florida, Delta is now offering a 'basic economy' fare, which is what the plain economy fare used to be. It is generally about $10-$15 cheaper than the 'economy' fare, but you cannot select your seats. So, what it boils down to, is Delta is now charging on certain flights for the privilege of selecting your seats in advance," he wrote.

Sure enough, it turns out that Delta has quietly changed its fare structure from Detroit to Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers. If you are taking one of these flights, read on.

The new "Basic Economy" fare is a few dollars cheaper than other economy fares. However, it has restrictions. No selecting your seat in advance. No changing the ticket. No refunds. And you must combine it only with other "E" class (basic economy) fares. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20120330/COL21/120330051/Delta-Airlines-basic-economy-fare?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

[GoneOffShore]

1. But those fares are to Florida.

Which is a "premium destination".

Though somehow, flying to Florida, the home of SYG and Disney (I'm sure Disney would love to be like Singapore - a theme park with the death penalty), doesn't really make it that much of a premium.

[FarCenter]

2. Florida is tourist traffic -- leisure travelers shopping for cheap tickets

Other routes have a higher fraction of business travel and are much more profitable.

[RB TexLa]

3. So if it's worth saving the 15 to 10 bucks to you do it. If not pay the extra money