The time may be near for me to start my airline. A few things different about my airline:
* All the planes are 787-10
* We have our own airports / terminals so we control the experience door-to-door
* There is no lounge in the airport. The airport IS the lounge.
* The planes are all one class. Plenty of room per person. Broken in to single travelers, couples, and families. All groups get same legroom, just changes how many people are next to you.
* TSA happens at the jetway, not the terminal. So you can come in, enjoy your own food and beverage, watch your family take off, and still keep the plane secure.
* Every seat on the plane is guaranteed overhead space for 1 carry on item, plus the spot for their other carry on under the seat.
* Every airport includes a hotel, so if you get stranded you can stay there.
* Every airport includes an all electric EV rental company.
* Flights are direct between major cities. Los Angeles to New York, Orlando, Minneapolis, etc. No need for connecting flights.
* No boarding groups. Y鈥檃ll board when we open the door(s). No need to rush the plane either as everyone is guaranteed that spot for luggage.
*No checked bag fee. It鈥檚 all built in to the base price of the ticket.
This model does have some drawbacks I need to work through.
Airline status incentivizes one to fly their particular brand or choice. With no baggage fees, no classes on the plane, and no boarding groups what incentives can I offer?
Logistics of a star topology are far more difficult than hub and spoke. See Southwest Airlines this week for an example of that.
Less room on the plane for people since everyone has ample leg room to be comfortable. So I can fit fewer people on each flight.
@Eylrid@spacey.space
Do a club model. Monthly/annual fees grants access to:
* Per flight discounts
* Access to the loungeport and its amenities, even when not flying
* Discounts on stays at the hotel, car rentals, etc.
* Discounts at partner businesses, the way airlines partner with other companies for their milage programs
You could do it like Costco where membership is mandatory, or like Disney where club memberships are optional extras.
club model is absolutely the answer. Makes you want to fly there more too cause you鈥檙e already a member.
I think that is true after the first salvo of legs are up. But I don鈥檛 think people will pre-pay before we even have one working leg online.
