"Andrew Sarangan" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Oct 15, 7:13 pm, Matt Whiting wrote:
Jay Honeck wrote:
As Singapore airlines has probably made more profit in the last 10
years
than the whole of the big US legacy carriers put together, I would
suspect
their judgement is better than anything the US has to offer.

I confess I know nothing about Singapore Airlines, so bear with me.

How is it that they are so profitable, in a cut-throat, competitive
world-wide market?

The offer good service. I realize conventional wisdom in the US has it
that price is everything for for some people it is, but I'll pay more
for comfort ... a lot more. Unfortunately, in the US I can no longer
find it unless I go into first class. I'm not willing to pay 3-4X more,
so I just avoid airline travel and drive if at all possible. However, I
would easily pay 50% more for a decent seat and decent service.


Actually, it amazes me how much people spend for comfort on seemingly
fleeting events. A commercial flight only lasts a handful of hours.
Yet people spend hundreds more to get a first class seat. But they
think twice about spending that much on their desk, chairs or beds
where they spend a good fraction of their lives. Last week I was stuck
at the airport looking to get home. When I checked the phone book for
taxis, there was an abundance of limos and luxury transportations
charging sky high prices. Now, why someone needs a limo to get home
from the airport escapes me, but obviously there is enough demand for
their services. However, compared to Singapore airlines, the US model
fits me perfectly. Twenty years ago I was hoping that I could give up
inflight meals and entertainments for a lower fare, and my wish came
true. Today, I would even take a plastic bucket seat if the price is
half, especially on short flights.

On short flights, I'd take standing room only. But on long international
routes (like the ones the Pac Rim carriers service), I am willing to pay a
premium for a little more room because those cramped seats become really
uncomfortable for me. And I"m 5'7", 160 lbs. I pity the poor 6'+, 200
pounders who have to spend 8, 10, or 12 hours bottled up in coach class.