Ultra-low-cost carriers cut freebies to keep fares low

[Sprint100]

This is something we already know, but I thought it was funny being in the L.A. Times and all. Unfortunately, people will think 'what a deal' instead of thinking about other things. Then they'll complain about the FA that was a pushy saleswoman

How low can airfares go?

Try $10 for a one-way ticket from Burbank to Columbus, Ohio. Or $9 from Los Angeles International Airport to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Better yet, there is a 1-cent fare for flights from LAX to Guatemala.

Yes, those are actual fares offered by a new generation of carriers that are redefining budget travel by taking "low-cost, no-frills" service to new heights.

Such as $15 for a pillow. Or two bucks for water. Don't want a middle seat? You can pay $10 and you can jump ahead of the line to board a Skybus Airlines plane.

And the flight attendants are paid partly on commission based on in-flight sales.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...-home-business

[777forever]

For $10 a ticket the Flight attendant can sales pitch me all they want! I'll just turn up my ipod

[CapnJim]

They'll make a killing until they've used up all the publics goodwill, then they'll sell for profit and cut the employees loose. Everything about this Skybus thing screams 'Golden Parachute' to me.

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by 777forever

For $10 a ticket the Flight attendant can sales pitch me all they want! I'll just turn up my ipod

Until you have to use the lav on that long flight, and then you have to pay.

[Velocipede]

Of course, until then, they'll pay Airbus Captains $65 an hour. When the other airlines see that they can get pilots to prostitute themselves for that rate, then they'll try to match by cutting YOUR salary.

Non-union dorks like Skybus, jetBlue and Virgin America pilots should be shunned and banned from the jumpseat. Its guys like that who are causing EVERYBODY'S paycuts.

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

Non-union dorks like Skybus, jetBlue and Virgin America pilots should be shunned and banned from the jumpseat. Its guys like that who are causing EVERYBODY'S paycuts.

That works....until the ALPA guys need a ride home to CMH, JFK, LGB or FLL....

[mattp1803]

Hearing the word "Skybus", makes me throw up in my mouth.

[CapnJim]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

Of course, until then, they'll pay Airbus Captains $65 an hour. When the other airlines see that they can get pilots to prostitute themselves for that rate, then they'll try to match by cutting YOUR salary.

Non-union dorks like Skybus, jetBlue and Virgin America pilots should be shunned and banned from the jumpseat. Its guys like that who are causing EVERYBODY'S paycuts.

JetBlue Airbus CA's make $116, 3rd year, and I hear tell they have quite a nifty contract. Don't get me wrong, union is almost always preferable to non-union, but I'm reticent to paint every carrier with the same brush. Mesa has a union, after all...

[Vyse]

Their airplanes look like school buses!

[blee256]

Originally Posted by MoreRightRudder

Their airplanes look like school buses!

for now, until they find companies to sell them ad space on the side of their planes.