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Air Travel Post-Sept. 11
With Keith Alexander
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 10, 2001; 1 p.m. EDT
Post Business Class columnist Keith L. Alexander
discusses how the airline industry is doing during the busy spring and summer traveling season after the events of Sept. 11.
"Airlines admit there can be dozens of fares -- as much as a sevenfold difference that can change hourly -- on one flight. And often those fares can be for seats right next to each other." Read the full story The Price Is Different (Post, April 6, 2002).
Alexander specializes in the coverage of the airline and business travel industries. His Business Class column appears each Wednesday in The Post's business section.
Below is the transcript.
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Keith Alexander: Hello everyone and thank you for joining today's online discussion on the airline industry. I see there are a number of questions that have already been submitted so let's begin.
Washington D.C.:
Keith,
You and The Post write a lot about US Airways. Do you think there is a chance this company can turn around?
Thanks and I love your columns!
Keith Alexander: Hello Washington. Yes, we write a lot about US Airways mainly because, since it's based in Arlington, it's our hometown airline and one of the largest employers in the Washington area.
There is definitely a chance US Airways can turn itself around. But it will be a struggle. Its new Chief Executive David Siegel has brought in several senior executives from other, more successful airlines such as Continental and Northwest. That will bring a fresh perspective. Also, a lot has to do with the strength of the economy, especially in the Northeast, where US Airways is concentrated. The airline will also obviously be a lot smaller than it once was.
Arlington, Va.:
Keith,
Thanks for taking my question. I have heard wonderful things about Jet Blue. With its IPO coming out, and the cash infusion that comes with thatt, do you think Jet Blue will be expanding it routes? How can this company stay in business?
Keith Alexander: Hello Arlington,
Jet Blue has been hailed as the next Southwest Airlines. And from all indicators - economic, customer relations, fare structure - that's probably an accurate comparison. Jet Blue prices tomorrow evening. There is a great deal of antipation for this public offering. So much so that Jet Blue, just today, increased its initial price to $25 to $26 a share, up from $22 to $24 a share. The entire airline industry is watching this offering to see if airlines are still popular on Wall Street after the difficult times they have had recently. I'm sure the airline will use the fund raised to grow. Ironically enough, Jet Blue has hired several Southwest Airlines executives as well. Have you flown Jet Blue? What do you think of the airline.
Bethesda, Md.:
I am taking a 7 a.m. flight from National, should I expect long lines or not?
Keith Alexander: I don't know what day of the week you are flying. A 7 a.m. flight on a Monday or Friday could mean longer lines than the same flight midweek or on the weekend. As I'm sure you know, 7 a.m. flights are very popular among business travelers. I would arrive at National no later than 6 a.m. to be safe.
Brooklyn, N.Y.:
Which web sites would you recommend for providing the least expensive airfares and in general. Thanks!.
Keith Alexander: Hello Brooklyn!!! (one of my favorite parts of New York) I get this question a great deal. What I tell people is this: It's best to check several Web sites. Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline. As well as the individual airline sites. I've often found a low fare on one site then go to another site and find an even lower price. It depends on the time of day and the types of fares each site has to sell at that particular time.
Minneapolis, Minn.:
Read your article today regarding MCI and Northwest WorldPerks partnership. Was I mistaken, I think I just read somewhere else that I could earn WorldPerks miles from Nextel and EarthLink, could you clarify?
Thanks
Keith Alexander: Hello Minneapolis. That is true. You can earn miles from Nextel and Earthlink, but only for signing up. Not for using your cell phone or surfing the Net as you could when Sprint and Northwest were partners. And I'll take this opportunity to answer another question regarding today's column. MCI has nine airline partners: They are Northwest, United, Delta, American, US Airways, America West, Hawaiian, Korean, China and Southwest.
Washington, D.C.:
I've heard that certain large employers are able to arrange for all their employees to be granted "elite" frequent flyer status on certain airlines, regadless of the number of miles flown by the particular particpant.
Is this true? If so, what criteria does the airline consider in deciding to provide an employer with this benefit?
Keith Alexander: This is very interesting. I do not know of this happening, but quite honestly, I would not be surprised. That's because the larger the company is, the more negotiating power they have with the airline. The airlines, which lost more than $7 billion last year and are expected to lose another $3 billion this year, are desperately trying to get more business travelers on their planes. Granting so-called elite status might be an option at gaining that company's business. If you know of any companies that have secured such an arrangement, I would love to know about it.
Fairfax, Va.:
I haven't flown since Sept. In the past I could carry a laptop on the plane with me. Are laptops still permissable?
Keith Alexander: Hello Fairfax. Yes laptops are permissable. But you will have to take your laptop out of its case and put it through the X-ray machine. But make sure you keep your eye on your laptop as it goes through and once you pass through the magnetometer, make sure you grab it off the belt. Even if the security person tries to stop you for an additional search, still grab your laptop and then submit to the search. There is a high percentage of theft of laptops today in the airports. Also, ask for a tray or a bucket to place your laptop in before you send it through the x-ray machie. This is to avoid it getting damaged on the belt.
Alexandria, Va.:
Any word on whether the concept of "frequent flyer express screening" is still on the table? I don't complain about removing my shoes every time I go through a checkpoint, but it's getting to the point where some of the screeners are starting to recognize me (and my shoes).
Keith Alexander: Hello Alexandria, the government is still weighing the pros and cons of such a system. That's because there really is no guarantee that a person is not a terrorist just because he or she belongs to one of these programs, has had a background check and has even been fingerprinted. The concern is a person could pass all the screening and years later become a security threat, hijack a flight or worse.
Washington, D.C.:
This may sound weird, but I am making a scrapbook for a relative, and was wondering if I can take the needed various scissors with me on my trip to India. (I don't think i can find the type of scissors that make a design (i.e. pinking) there, otherwise I would have just planned to buy them there). Should I pack them in my checked luggage? We are flying from Dulles via Amsterdam.
Keith Alexander: Yes, I would definitely pack them in your checked luggage. But you should also contact the airline to learn about their policy.
New Jersey:
Which U.S. airline has the best security in your opinion? Which airline(s) do you like to fly?
Keith Alexander: Hello New Jersey,
This is another popular question. My answer remains the same, all U.S. certified airlines have the best security. I know that's not the answer you're looking for, but it's the truth. Prior to the ValuJet crash and subsequent grounding, I would have said ValuJet caused me some concerns. But having studied other airlines of today, they all have heightened security measures. I fly - and would fly - any and all of them.
Washington, D.C.:
I was just on Southwest's Web site checking on fares to Phoenix, and their "discount" fare is $415! What gives? I could travel to Europe and back - in first class, no less - for less money.
Keith Alexander: ahhh, you should check out my story in Saturday's paper. This is a major problem people are having. Cheap fares are advertised but are hard to find. The main reason is this: cheap seats are based on demand. The more people want to fly to a destination, and Phoenix is a major operation for Southwest, the least likely you are to find a cheap seat to that destination. And while an airline may offer 40 percent off, they never say how many seats on a flight are being discounted. So there could be 100 seats or just 10. Good luck. p.s. International trips trips are cheaper these days for numerous reasons, including the Middle East conflict.
Springfield, Va.:
Hi Keith!
Are airports still requiring/recommending passengers to be at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight?
I have an 8:00 a.m. flight out of Reagan airport on Sunday. Are the gates even open at 6:00 a.m.? Thanks!
Keith Alexander: Hello Springfield, some airlines and airports have recently reduced their arrival recommendations to an hour. Delta is one of the more recent examples. You should call the airline and they should be able to tell you what's the best time to arrive for your flight. And yes, Reagan National is open at 6 a.m. If you're flying out of Reagan on a sunday at 8 a.m. I would bet you'd be safe getting there no later than 7 a.m. Sunday mornings aren't popular flying times. Good luck.
Somewhere, USA:
Disembodied:
Keith,
Your "Price is Different" article impressed me with the stock market metaphor. Using that metaphor, why should people be surprised or upset about the uncertainty of pricing?
As I read your article, I wonderered whether consumers who complain about variable pricing are the same consumers who like non negotiable pricing when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.
Or perhaps these people do not want to take the time and effort needed to plan in advance and research fares on desired itineraries.
To extend your stock market metaphor: Consumers shouldn't try to time their ticket purchases to get the lowest possible price, becuase that's just about impossible. A more realistic objective would be getting a price in the lowest quartile.
Or perhaps to put the issue in the form of a choice:
Do you want low air fares or predictably priced air fares? Choose one.
Keith Alexander: Thank you for your comments. Hopefully people will read the article again and reflect on your thoughts.
Arlington, Va.:
Hey, you've got a lot more style than those other travel hacks on Monday. Do you know, when I volunteer to get off a flight, can I ask for the deal they offer me in writing? I gave up my seat for a 12 year old girl for $200 and a comp ticket and ended up getting a one way plus $200 on a voucher plus getting stuck in Salt Lake for 2 days until the next direct flight. Love that Southwest.
Keith Alexander: Thanks Arlington (I think). Asking for something in writing may be a bit much. Usually if you get the gate agent's name, day and time of flight, that should be proof enough in case the airline tries to back out of its promises. Did you negotiate for that $200 and comp ticket, or were they just offered? I bet you're great to have around when shopping for a car.
Alexandria, Va.:
Keith, I know your typically busy writing your columns, but how often do you get to fly and experience things from the passengers "seat"?
Charles
Keith Alexander: Hello Alexandria,
I travel about once a month. But I'm out at one of the three local airports talking to travelers each week.
Washington, D.C.: I've been avoiding BWI since 9/11 - I had a couple flights out of there in October, and had mixed experiences. Mostly, the lines for the ticket desks and security were awful (depending on the airline).
However, now I have a flight (American) out of there at the end of April - a 9 a.m. flight on a Friday morning. First, do you think I need to be there at 7 a.m.? Second, has the parking situation there gotten any better?
Thanks for the chat - it is really helpful.
Keith Alexander: Hello Washington and thanks. Indeed, BWI was one of the worst airports in terms of passenger complaints and long lines weeks after the attacks. But things have gotten much better. Several airlines have opened additional security lines. They have also brought in additional employees to pull travelers out of long lines who may miss their flight.
Well, that's the last question for today. But I think each of you again for your questions and comments. I look forward to hearing from you again next month. Until then.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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