Forget annual guest passes, sell me an annual baggage pass!

[markis10]

Wonder how long before we see it here:

The idea, which starts at $349 a year for those in the US, is one of two such subscriptions just announced by United, which has been intently studying and implementing the extra charges that airlines call "ancillary revenue." United says it is the first in the industry to roll out such annual subscription

Read more: $820 to take your bag on flights for a year | News.com.au
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[harvyk]

This really shows us how good we really do have it in AU.

Over there for $820, you get what most would consider a basic part of an airline ticket for a year.
Over here $750 will get you free feed and booze every time you fly for a year, plus extra baggage beyond the standard free allowance.

 

[samh004]

I wonder if this is something Jetstar is looking into, or does it see the money it's already making worth far more?

I guess United values loyalty and lock-ins, but Jetstar isn't after that, so would be more than happy to stick with the fees they currently make.

 

[dk4]

Looking at this from another angle, it seems an evolution into airlines selling annual elite status benefits to those who don't earn them by flying.


Stage One of this evolution saw benefits sold on a per flight basis (e.g. priority boarding, etc...), the next logical step is to sell the benefits on an annualised basis. (No-charge Checked Luggage Allowance and Extra Leg Room (Economy Plus) seating - both being status based benefits offered by United's FF program.)

 

[drewbles]

Looking at this from another angle, it seems an evolution into airlines selling annual elite status benefits to those who don't earn them by flying.


Stage One of this evolution saw benefits sold on a per flight basis (e.g. priority boarding, etc...), the next logical step is to sell the benefits on an annualised basis. (No-charge Checked Luggage Allowance and Extra Leg Room (Economy Plus) seating - both being status based benefits offered by United's FF program.)

The United Mileage Plus Credit Card effectively gives you UA Silver, and a few lounge passes. Elite Status via CC's in the USA is, unfortunately, here to stay. It's only basic, but it makes UA's program that much more useless IMHO (based on the sheer numbers). It's great for UA of course!

 

[comehither]

I'm not sure where I stand; I think if you travel budget; Ryanair is a great example; you don't pay extra if you don't want extra. i.e. the recent twitter farce about $100 extra to print your boarding pass. Personally I prefer a full service airline like Qantas.