Professor Mark J. Perry's Blog for Economics and Finance
WSJ -- "Several airlines are selling the chance to jump to the front of check-in lines, boarding queues and even security lines for about $10 to $30 per flight. Perks that used to be reserved only for elite-level frequent fliers and first-class passengers are now up for grabs to those who'll pay to jump the line. Lots of travelers are buying."
Dr. Mark J. Perry is a professor of economics and finance in the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan. Perry holds two graduate degrees in economics (M.A. and Ph.D.) from George Mason University near Washington, D.C. In addition, he holds an MBA degree in finance from the Curtis L. Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. In addition to a faculty appointment at the University of Michigan-Flint, Perry is also a visiting scholar at The American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.
5 Comments:
Other than wanting to stuff their over-sized carry on into an over head bin, because their luggage is more important than everyone else's, I can't figure out why anyone would want to be first in line to board a plane.
I generally wait to board a plane for as long as possible.
Who wants to be crammed into a small seat longer than they have to?
I took a taxi downtown. It only cost $3 for the fare. Of course, there was the $10 fuel surcharge, the $15 safety device utilization fee, the $12 air conditioning fee, and the $23 driver normalization-of-compensation fee.
I didn't mind so much because I felt really good about getting such a deal on the the cost of the fare. Neither did I mind that there was a 50-minute "check-in" process where my background and credit was verified. While the vehicle was a little old and grimy, the tires were okay and the mesh on the windows made me feel safe.
Well if people are willing to pay for it, the airlines will continue to charge for it...
I'm suppose to meet family in Europe come September, a ride on a cruise ship is starting to look like a better alternative...
Surely a race to the bottom for the airline industry, but one that utilizes competitive forces at play.
Should we regulate airlines or allow the marketplace to?
Frankly, if baggage fees mean cheaper airfares for me, a person who always travels with a small carry-on only, more power to the airlines. I don't have to subsidize the leisure traveler checking two 50 pounds bags.
Going to the front of the check-in line isn't so hot. Going to the front of the security line, as suggested by the article, is totally worth $10.
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