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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Lane3 who wrote (29179)	9/24/2001 7:51:47 PM
From: Michael M	Respond to of 82486

Thanks for the response, Karen. Our business plan is simple - make every trip as enjoyable and economical as possible. We have no shortage of loyal clients and actually turn down a good bit of referral business. Hey - Don't hesitate to call if you're thinking about arranging a family reunion aboard Seabourne :-) I must differ with you on the likelihood of airlines deliberately trying to put agents out of business. I can draw no other conclusion from them selling product that's not available to me for less than they would get from me selling the published fare with a commission. This is predatory pricing. Predatory pricing is a fairly normal airline business practice. When a low-cost carrier enters a market, large airlines have been known to respond by setting prices so low, the new guy can't off the ground. The price then goes way back up when the low-cost guy is driven from the market. It bothers me a little bit that airlines are passing up income at the same time they are asking for tax dollars. They say they are desperate to put more people in the seats? Doesn't seem like the best time to freeze out the people who sell 75 percent of the tickets. IMO, the airlines have bought into the e-commerce thing to the max. They believe "someday" they will get to the pot of gold and it's worth it to sacrifice some income now. The flaw in this is that cheap seats cost the airlines money. They are counting on being able to raise prices to more profitable levels in the future. Not gonna happen. They created a monster with half price sales, deceptive advertising, FF miles, hubs and spokes and on and on :-( In fact, I will be shocked if the airlines don't soon start special promotions for even lower fares. Don't be surprised to see them begging for more cash within a few months. When the last agent bites the dust there will be NO consumer advocate in the system. If you thought flying was brutish before - just wait. FWIW, buying a ticket directly from an airline will rarely get you the best deal unless you are very familiar with the market for the specific route and have a good understanding of all terms and conditions. In my experience, the best domestic internet fares are found on Orbitz. I also check Travelocity for international. I always quote these to clients for comparison purposes. When I'm in a really OBSESSIVE mood and don't mind doing business in the wee hours and talking with more than one or two people at the airline I can kick major Travelocity butt. Not always, but often enough for people to keep calling me. I have to go to dinner. I actually heard something from an airline pilot today that gave me a good laugh. Maybe later - Mike