Basic Economy Fares Don't Lower Ticket Prices, They Increase Ticket Prices

Re:Basic Economy Fares Don't Lower Ticket Prices, They Incre... by rconti on Tuesday January 03, 2017 @11:24AM (#13310207)

Every time it comes up, I rant about the need for a human-sized seat that's only perhaps 50% more expensive, but it virtually doesn't exist. (Save Premium Economy on Lufthansa and Air NZ, neither of which I've ever tried due to arcane rules about what seats you're allowed to pre-buy on what codeshares.. thanks, United).

Wanting enough space for my elbows to be able to stay within the confines of my seat should not cost me 10x as much.

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Re:Basic Economy Fares Don't Lower Ticket Prices, They Incre... by h1srf on Tuesday January 03, 2017 @12:47PM (#13311084)

I fly US-South East Asia a couple times a year. Economy fares are around $1k(or $500-800 the last few months). Business class fares can be had for about $4-5k. Premium economy for around $1,500-2,000. My problem with premium economy is that for 50%-100% more than the economy fare, you're not getting much. Slightly(1-2") larger seat and pitch. Slightly better food. Earlier boarding. I wish they would have something in the $2,000-2,500 price point with those recliners that you find in domestic first class. I'd definitely pay that much for it.

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Re:Basic Economy Fares Don't Lower Ticket Prices, They Incre... by rconti on Tuesday January 03, 2017 @07:26PM (#13314598)

I hear what you're saying, but I can't justify paying a full multiple of base fare.

Economy plus might not be the best thing in the world, but 50% more is at least within the realm of human affordability, and partial recline and my own armrest sounds downright luxurious. For 5x as much as a coach fare, the perks better be things I shouldn't discuss on a public forum.

And I don't really care about the quality of food or service, how many times they bring me a hot towel, etc. Just want a good seat.

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