American Airlines has plans to move their pricing model to utilize a more a la carte approach. What does this mean? That AA will follow in the footsteps of Air Canada in offering as many as five different basic classes. The cheapest class will not include any extras, from airline baggage check to e-tickets and online check in. So, if you book in the cheapest class (let’s call it Bronze for simplicity sake) you would have to pay extra to have access to check in online, check your baggage or receive food / drink service. All of these would be available to you in an a la carte pricing model. However, if you were to choose the most expensive class (let’s call this one Platinum), you would automatically have access to all of these amenities within the cost of your air fare. You would probably also have the ability to change / cancel your ticket as well.
What’s stopping American from forging forward with this venture? Most travel agents (online and off) are hestitant to proceed, both from a technical and comfort standpoint. However, if the airline changes, the travel agents will have to mold their models to fit as well.
