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Sourcing Blogs: MetalMiner

July 7th, 2008 at 04:26pm David Bush - Iasta

If Only the Airlines Industry Adopted a Bulk Freight Model

What can the airlines do to counter jet fuel costs, one of the largest variable drivers that has risen to record levels? Why not tie airfare to a passenger’s total weight (body and luggage)? The more weight you carry, the worse your gas mileage. And after all, cutting snacks and charging $15 per check-in bag has only caused negative PR and customer dissatisfaction, and yet still doesn’t tackle the issue at hand of reducing weight to save on fuel. Also, the purchase of steel for jets is deceptive, where distributers typically sell on a cost per unit basis hoping that customers won’t catch on that it’s easier to fluff the price this way rather than basing it on weight.

Though an interesting take on a complex topic, weight-based pricing probably won’t get past the sensitivity police. Also, it may contribute to additional hassles by requiring passengers to check-in, weigh-in and go through security. But it is a creative approach to a problem that is vexing the airline industry.

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Entry Filed under: General

1 Comment Add your own

1. Gunny | July 8th, 2008 at 11:38 am

“after all, cutting snacks and charging $15 per check-in bag has only caused negative PR and customer dissatisfaction”

… and, weighing passengers won’t?

Sure, and when I fill up the moto at the Shell station, I’ll have to weigh in also.

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