Skybus Airlines - ultracheap or too cheap?
May 24, 2007 – 11:37 am
I included below the summary from my Mediapost Marketing Daily email in regards to Skybus Airlines.
Southwest has been one of the few airlines that has been profitable, although others have tried.
I’m cost conscious as well when it comes to booking flights, but with prices that low, the planes are always going to be full, which I’m sure is the only way they can make money.
And $10 to stand at the front of the line? Thats an interesting approach. What if everyone pays $10? Anyway, looks like Southwest will have more competition, at least in the short term. And they fly into KC, so I may give them a try if the opportunity arises.
The flying billboards partnership with Nationwide seems interesting.
No-Frills Airline Takes Off In U.S.
Boston Globe
Skybus — a start-up airline based in Columbus, Ohio — is bringing to the United States the ultra-cheap rates offered in Europe by carriers such as RyanAir and EasyJet. It promises at least 10 $10 fares on every flight for its seven routes, and its Web site offers only $30 to $150 one-way tickets — significantly less expensive than other airlines.
All a Skybus ticket buys, though, is a seat on the plane. Passengers have to pay $5 to check a bag, $8 for a blanket, $15 for a pillow, and $10 to wait at the front of the line, since there are no assigned seats. Meals and drinks are also extra.
There are no movies — and the airline squeezes 144 coach seats on a plane model that holds 124 or 126 seats in two classes on most other carriers. Also holding down costs: There is no phone number customers can call. All tickets are sold online, and the only access to Skybus customer service is the gate agent at the airport. - Read the whole story…
Technorati Tags: airfare, flying, billboards, Skybus, Southwest, travel
4 Responses to “Skybus Airlines - ultracheap or too cheap?”
I love Southwest, but I think it’s about as no-frills as I can stand. As cheap as I am, I’m willing to pay a little more not to be jammed in like a sardine.
By Jane on May 24, 2007
Well, Jane, I suggest you not fly Skybus. I think Skybus is doing a wonderful thing. We “Americans” are so spoiled and prudish (Jane). I think Skybus is on to something; something great. I wish them all the luck in the world.
By John on May 25, 2007
I’ve been looking into SkyBus as well - definitely an interesting concept. There’s yet another catch, though: If you want to fly anywhere besides Columbus, you have to fly through columbus, constituting two flights. Your first flight might be only $10, but your next one may be $150. Plus taxes. And up to 6 hours of additional time lost if you’re flying to a place like LA.
SkyBus said they’ll be adding additional direct routes in the future.
By Jameson Huckaba on May 25, 2007
I think the idea is very good. There is likely a market of people out there who just want to get from Point A to Point B as cheaply as possible. I would likely consider trying it once to see how it goes.
By Anthony J. Davis, D.C. on May 30, 2007