Re:United Airlines piloting technology to manage the problem...
by Steeeve on Thursday July 13, 2017 @02:32PM
(#14763880)
> In the USA, nearly all airfares are changeable, even those that are sold as "non-changeable".
The vast majority of tickets sold in the USA have restrictions on changes.
> An airline industry that didn't overbook would be one where either everyone pays significantly more for their tickets, or where most tickets become truly non-changeable, as in you have to buy a totally new ticket if you change your travel date or time.
This is a legacy from time long past and it wasn't the best decision back then. If you put a little thought into most airline policies you can come up with something that is both more effective and provides a better customer experience while reducing costs or increasing profits.
There is simply not enough competition in the industry to force change.
The vast majority of tickets sold in the USA have restrictions on changes.
> An airline industry that didn't overbook would be one where either everyone pays significantly more for their tickets, or where most tickets become truly non-changeable, as in you have to buy a totally new ticket if you change your travel date or time.
This is a legacy from time long past and it wasn't the best decision back then. If you put a little thought into most airline policies you can come up with something that is both more effective and provides a better customer experience while reducing costs or increasing profits.
There is simply not enough competition in the industry to force change.