Friday, June 19, 2009

Airline Food Gets Worse While Ticket Prices Soar

As airlines continue to cut costs, they also continue to raise ticket prices and adding fees and surcharges in an attempt to offset rising fuel costs. Average ticket prices are up 16 percent last year. Many consumers believe that the reduction of costs are unfair, and have decided not to travel this year. The recent trend of rising fuel costs has led to a stricter approach to the airlines to control operating costs. Some policies cost reductions have proved effective, while maintaining quality customer service ratings. Other policies are far in the qualifying service and some have led to the questioning of safety practices. 

  In the early nineties, the airline adopted the philosophy of "more is better." The increase in flights, with more destinations, was the management approach to increasing consumer willingness to fly. However, this was a time that an airline could advertise their services as "less expensive than driving a vehicle." Management of the airlines' lack of preparedness for the future has introduced a new philosophy of the airlines, less is more. 

  Almost every major airline in the world has been forced to reduce costs over the last couple of years. Some companies have shown excellent intuitiveness in their approach to cost reduction. Creative ideas have resulted in cost savings without compromising quality of service flown. Other companies have adopted a more direct approach to reducing costs, eliminating gifts and reduced quality of "in-flight meals and services. A decrease in the quality of service and the luxuries we have become accustomed to us, has led to fewer sales and declining consumer loyalty. 

  Air Canada has led the creative in cutting costs so that their prices affordable for consumers. At the beginning of the year, it was decided that the paint stripped off and the first of its 767 aircraft in an attempt to reduce weight. Understandably, this may seem like an extreme attempt to save a few pounds. However, Air Canada issued a statement that the plan to reduce the weight of the aircraft by as much as 360 pounds, which facilitates takeoffs and annual savings of almost $ 25,000 per aircraft. 

  American carriers like Delta, Northwest, American, Continental and spends much less money on food they have in previous years. Surprisingly, the quality of airline food is getting worse. In the nineties, the average cost to provide a passenger with a meal is $ 6.00. Now, airlines have reduced the costs of approximately $ 3.50 per meal. American airlines have eliminated all free snacks including peanuts, crackers, and soda. With an average of 60 million flights per month, the airlines are saving more than peanuts. Hopefully, these savings translate into reduced costs and the airlines not only higher income. American Airlines said it would save $ 30 million a year by eliminating free snacks on flights. U.S. says that the airways will save $ 1 million annually just for the elimination of free pretzel packages. 

  Many rumors have emerged that airlines have been cutting costs in the divisions that may compromise passenger safety. American Airlines has been scrutinized by inefficient delivery of its aircraft inspections. In recent weeks, pilots have begun to complain about unsafe practices fuel. Have stated that the major airlines have become so desperate to cut costs forces them to fly with an uncomfortable level of fuel. 

  Most major airlines have published information on the evolution of major losses in its most recent quarterly statements. United Airways has declared a net loss of $ 2.7 billion dollars. They have decided to reduce its flight schedule by nearly 17 percent in the fourth quarter. United is expected that the elimination of the entire fleet of 737's. This will result in a loss of about 7.00 jobs.


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