Cranky on the Web (May 24-28)

May 29, 2010

More Reading on This Topic: BNET, Delta, Mesa Airlines

Airlines Oppose New Government Airport Fees, but So Should Travelers – BNET
I say airlines should oppose more government fees, but another BNET author disagrees.

Airline Coach Travel Is Back to Its Pre-Recession Levels, Thanks in Part to Premium Cannibalization – BNET
Coach traffic is back where it was before the recession, and that highlights how different coach and premium travel behave.

Inside Delta vs. Mesa: Court Ruling Tells a Tale of Overbilling and Confusion – BNET
If you didn’t see the ruling against Mesa, then I highly recommend looking deeper. This was absolutely fascinating.

Regional Aircraft Manufacturers Pick Their Target Markets – BNET
Turboprops are back in fashion – but different manufacturers are looking at different markets.

Southwest Outperforming JetBlue, AirTran Where They Go Head-to-Head
Boston to Baltimore is a rare route with three low cost carriers fighting it out. Southwest is winning so far.

Brett

5 responses to “Cranky on the Web (May 24-28)”

Oliver

May 29, 2010 at 10:23 am

Would have been interesting to learn a bit more about the reasons behind the comeback of turboprops.

Reply
1. CF
  
  May 29, 2010 at 10:28 am
  
  The main reason is pure efficiency. Turboprops are cheaper to operate and they’re fast enough for flights of less than 300nm or so. But in some airports, there’s also the issue of being able to use smaller commuter runways.
  
  Reply
Ben

May 29, 2010 at 10:58 am

Cranky,
I left a post on the BNet site, but thought I’d mention it here too. Doesn’t Bombardier still make the Q200? That holds 37 seats. Wouldn’t that cover the smaller turboprop segment?

Reply
1. CF
  
  May 29, 2010 at 11:35 am
  
  Actually, no. They are just doing the Q400 and while they’re pondering a stretch one day, they are no longer looking at smaller airplanes.
  
  Reply
Jason

Jun 1, 2010 at 6:21 am

Having ridden Southwest, Airtran, and JetBlue on the BWI-BOS runs, I’d love to see the amount of O&D traffic each airline gets on those runs. The two times I flew Southwest into BOS, there were decent amounts of transferring passengers already aboard or waiting to board and I think Airtran would have some connecting passengers as well.

I think Airtran might have also taken a hit due to their extra fees (seat reservation/baggage) over Southwest/JetBlue and the fact that their terminal at BOS is totally inhospitable. I know the C40’s are an enclave, but that place doesn’t scream “focus city” to me and it needs actual options for food/drink. JetBlue’s part of C is huge and Southwest at least has some stuff and the rest of E accessible.

Reply