Freedom of choice

This plan is good for Northwest’s frequent fliers

The new seat-selection plan will not adversely affect Northwest’s frequent fliers. Like business class passengers and travelers with special needs, travelers with “WorldPerks Elite” or “Partner Elite” status will continue to have access to other designated “premium” seats at the front of the cabin. They will also have first dibs on those premium seats when higher-level elite members are upgraded to first class.

Moreover, what’s good for Northwest is good for its frequent fliers. Elite membership is not built overnight. In my case, I have invested years of seat time building a relationship with Delta Air Lines. By and large, it has served me well. If you are a frequent flier with Northwest, you need to watch its balance sheet carefully. If Northwest goes under, all your seat time goes with it, and you will have to start over with some other airline. Even if the new airline is willing to match your Northwest status (and airlines will often do that, just to get your business), you won’t have the personal history of goodwill that you built with Northwest over the years.

Many travel commentators have called Northwest’s move a greedy attempt to squeeze money from the traveling public. But think about this for a minute: According to a recent report from Business Travel Monitor, domestic airfares hit a six-year low in 2005 — despite high fuel costs. With historically low airfares, it is hard to argue that U.S. airlines are gouging the public by offering travelers the opportunity to pay a nominal fee to guarantee a choice seat.

Think of it as real estate: Location, location, location. In my Southern California community, developers can command twice as much for a house with an ocean view as for one without. The better the view, the more you pay. Some people just can’t live without that glittering ocean view; others say it’s not worth the cost. The beauty of the system is: The choice is yours to make.

So why shouldn’t the seats on an airplane be priced by their locations? If this is going to help airlines stay airborne, I’m all for it. Low airfares are a boon to all air travelers. Logic and economics tell us that lower fares mean less revenue for the airlines. To have our cake and eat it, too, we need to support airlines that seek alternative revenue streams.

In my opinion, low fares, consumer choice and profitable airlines make for a win-win-win situation. Instead of denouncing Northwest, the traveling public should be applauding it.

I certainly am.

MORE FROM MORE BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS & FEATURES

Small biz travel guide: How to cut costs

Small biz travel guide: How to cut costs How to travel with your boss: 7 tips Forbes: 13 best travel Web sites Mileage programs: Been great to know you The Risky Business of Padding T&E Eagle Eye on Your T&E Air travelers less inclined to be loyal Airline coffee: a bitter cup, indeed Why is Coach Choice a good thing? Best bets for business trips   Add More Business Travel News & Features headlines to your news reader: