Achi news desk-
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to passengers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech told a business audience in Calgary on Wednesday that the new “super-low” fare category will be introduced within “a few weeks” and will appeal to the most budget-conscious travelers .
He said the move will also free up overhead bin space for other passengers. Passengers buying the cheapest fare will not have the option to put a bag in the overhead bins, although they will still be allowed to keep a rucksack, purse or small personal item under the seat in front of them.
“Those guests will not be allowed to bring a carry-on bag. We expect this will significantly reduce the number of carry-on bags,” said von Hoensbroech.
He acknowledged that having large numbers of passengers jockeying for limited overhead bin space has become a problem on full flights – especially when the aircraft is an older model of aircraft.
“On the older planes that we have, they’re smaller, you actually get less luggage in them,” he said.
WestJet is not the first airline in Canada to offer a discounted “no carry-on” fare.
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Edmonton-based Flair Airlines lets passengers fly with one free small bag or personal item that can be stored under the seat, but any bag meant for the overhead bin costs more.
The idea of ”unbundling” airline fares so that passengers only pay for the specific services they need has become more common in recent years due to the rise of the ultra-low-cost carrier model.
The idea behind the model is that budget-conscious travelers can choose to pay a discounted base price while more comfortable travelers can purchase extras such as the ability to select a seat, check a bag or access in-flight entertainment.
WestJet itself is not considered a very low cost carrier like Europe’s Flair or Ryanair. The airline – which aims to attract all types of passengers, from business travelers to sun seekers – still includes some perks such as in-flight snacks and non-alcoholic drinks within its basic service.
But WestJet is exploring ways to increase its pay-for-service offerings. Last month, the airline launched what it calls an “extended comfort” fare category, which for an additional fee offers passengers access to a number of benefits – including preferential access to overhead bins.
“Some (passengers) want a premium and are willing to pay a higher price. Some just want the rock bottom price,” says von Hoensbroech.
“It’s part of our philosophy that we want to offer choice and I think we can do more than we’ve been doing.”
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
