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In Scott McCartney’s The Middle Seat section today in the Wall Street Journal he takes a look at the ever increasing differences among low cost carriers (LCCs). While at one time he claims everyone just tried to copy Southwest, differentiation is now the name of the game as low prices become common across all carriers.
Of course he hits on Virgin America, the supposedly-US-owned-but-everyone-knows-is-controlled-by-Richard-Branson upscale low cost airline, and how they offer premium services once you get on board. I’ve tried to fly VA several times, but every time I’ve priced the trip (mostly between LA and New York) they’ve been several hundred dollars more expensive than legacy carrier Delta. Between LA and San Francisco however they remain extremely competitive.
What boggles the mind however is why Scott spends so much time profiling Spirit Airlines. Never have I seen such dishonest advertising as that spewed by Spirit. They tout their $9 fares, which of course there is no chance of you actually being able to get because there is so little availability, but then neglect to tell you about how you are going to have to pay to check your bag, be able to fit in your seat, or even go for a glass of water! They make their living bringing first time naive customers on board, but never have I heard of repeat business with their airline.
Spirit’s CEO’s quote in the article shows us a lot about his attitudes towards customers: “We realize we’re either trendsetters or jerks, depending on your view of the world.” Well from his perspective I’m sure he’s a trendsetter, he saves his company lots of money and shows the public really low fares, while making his real revenue selling them add-ons that should be included in the fare once they are already committed. Anyone who has flown on Spirit knows them as jerks who falsely advertise rock bottom fares, but end up actually paying the same amount they would pay to any other carrier.
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