Delta was the first big airline to introduce basic economy, known to some as "last class" and it refined it last year as one of its five fare classes. Now United and American have both announced that they will be debuting their versions of basic economy later this year. So what is basic economy? For frugal travelers, it's shorthand for giving up some of the few remaining comforts of flying economy. The biggest sacrifice is losing the ability to reserve a seat when booking a flight (so be prepared for a middle seat in the back row). If you are travelling with family or colleagues, forget about sitting together. Passengers flying basic economy also forfeit their right to upgrade their seats and to change or cancel their reservations more than 24 hours after booking. From the airlines’ perspective, last class is an effort to compete with the profitability of no-frills competitors. But some people suspect a more nefarious motive: Delta and its rivals are making basic economy so unpleasant that people will pay extra to "upgrade" to standard economy. Travelers have signaled that they are willing to suffer all sorts of discomforts and inconveniences for the sake of a lower fare. America’s big airlines are simply giving them what they wished for. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! http://www.economist.com/blogs/gull...ricasairlinesareintroducingaclassbeloweconomy
I am considering getting a nicely outfitted box, a good supply of DVDs, some Margarita mix and going air freight.
Last laugh: this is the most likely seat to survive a crash. Of course, your health coverage is crap or non-existent, so, unless the airline takes responsibility - hah!!! - be prepared for more discomfort. And, of course, all the pre- and post-flight indignities still apply. I'm staying home.
Driving, on the other hand, has become more comfortable and easier - GPS, cruise control, entertainment systems, ergonomic seats, built in phones and coffee makers and voice operated fax machines, comfortable and convenient rest rooms whenever you feel the need; by the time you'd have driven to the airport and been scanned into the plane and hit the runway you can be in the next State sipping espresso and enjoying the view. And when you get there, you are there, with all your stuff in a handy trunk - not forty miles away, schlepping your inadequate bags unto the curb in the rain and hoping an illegal immigrant in a filthy cab will show up soon and not overcharge you for the privilege of a car ride. And if you want real luxury, there's sometimes a train even in the US - take your meals like an adult, walk around, have a beer if you want, breathe decent air and nap in comfort, enjoy some of the best scenery available to any traveler without a horse and a ranch. You'll be in better company. And it's cheaper.
And there is maglev and hyperloop technology slowly shaping up, with travel times close to flight, and at least as much comfort. Even traditional rail has surpasses 500km/h ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TGV_world_speed_record ) and so flight travel sees more and more competition, not only by cheap flight offers, but also by advancing traditional and new ground transport technologies.
