Comments on: Travel Forecast: Sunny with Lots of Rainbows

By: Flight Wisdom » Roundup

Flight Wisdom » Roundup — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:08:20 +0000

[...] Cranky Flier points out that US airlines are making it clear that “if you’re gay, they want your [...]

By: CF

CF — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:01:27 +0000

Geoff tried to put an image in the comment, but apparently that doesn't work. To see how Alaska is promoting their new Hawai'i service, go here.

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:46:59 +0000

Alaska sponsors

the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Chorus
the Greater Seattle Business Association
Disney Gay Days
Gaytravel.com’s 2007 All-Gay Alaska Cruise
-and- places a float/group in the Seattle Pride Day parade

Geoff, I would counter your argument by saying the airlines you mentioned are the airlines that are trying their hardest to overcome perceived obstacles of being open in the South. Dallas and Atlanta both have sizeable gay communities.

By: geoff

geoff — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 19:29:45 +0000

Isn’t it ironic that the airlines (AA,DL,WN) that are doing these sites are the ones headquartered in arguably the most conservative part of the country and are themselves historically very conservative companies?

I’m waiting for Alaska Airlines, they of the prayer card on the meal tray, to “go gay”. (Come to think of it, it’s not that far of a stretch from the design they’re using to promote their new Hawaii service…)

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 18:02:32 +0000

Not to sound like a broken record, but I agree with the others: if the value add is not high enough, then traffic will be minimal on these special sites. If, however, special deals during certain pride events are offered, then these sites could be serious contenders. For example, if during San Francisco or NYC pride, AA offered a great air+ (close to pride activities) hotel package, then people will certainly use these sites, if they’re well advertised. The key is making sure that there’s definitive value to be had by going to them.

By: John

John — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:47:15 +0000

I agree with Jeff — I like that they’re trying, but “really, SF is gay friendly” is about as newsworthy as “really, the airline industry is gay friendly? Who knew?!”.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:30:41 +0000

I agree. I really appreciate that airlines are reaching out to me, but in practice I don’t see myself using those sites much. When I’m looking for travel info on gay pride events, nightlife, etc., I’m more likely to do some good old-fashioned Googling.