No-frills fares

One of the major developments in travel this year is the a la carte pricing concept that has been creeping its way onboard ever since Northwest said last March that it would charge $15 for extra legroom. Several stories broke this week that show the pay-per-perk concept is here to stay.

First, JetBlue CEO David Neeleman told Reuters that it is considering charging fliers up to $5 for fluffier blankets and pillows.

A few days later, the Associated Press reported that United Airlines is thinking about launching something called the "bare fare concept",  where it would sell tickets that offer customers the bare minimum in air transportation. It would not include in the price the ability to check bags or earn frequent flier miles, or get assigned seats. Those "perks'' would all cost extra.

Under this bargain basement pricing scheme, passengers would buy a basic promotional fare and then have the option to pay for seat assignments, baggage check or miles. United is apparently also thinking about selling fares that could be changed, selling premier frequent flier status for one day at a time and selling one-day passes for the airline's Red Carpet Club.

Now, on the surface, this makes the airlines look incredibly cheap and cynical. But on closer examination, it has a certain attraction. A la carte pricing would sure simplify the current fare anarchy that most travelers have to go through to arrive at a fare they think is decent for what they're getting. The idea of paying a set rate, then buying a few additional amenities, also at set rates, would seem to add transparency to the current chaotic system. 

A la carte pricing is always welcome at expensive restaurants. And if a la carte can work for cable TV, why not airfares? It turns out USA Today's David Grossman wrote about a la carte as the future of air travel back in August of 2005. It looks like the time for the concept has finally come.

Would you be interested in a promotional fare that comes without some basic amenities? Write to: bboydstoncorrea@yahoo.com.