Originally Posted by Poundstone
CVG767A, I'm sorry, but I simply don't buy that Motel 6s are noisy and uncomfortable. If you truly couldn't get any sleep at a Motel 6, that chain would have closed down long ago. Is a Motel 6 a step (well, several steps) down from a Marriott or a Hyatt? Yes, without doubt. Is that something flight crews aren't happy about? Ditto. But does that downgrade actually threaten the "mission" of the hotel/motel for the flight crews? (i.e., providing a usable crew rest period)? No. I don't think anyone can make a persuasive case that a Motel 6 cannot fulfill the mission.
I have no personal animus against flight crews -- just the opposite, in fact. If crews could stay in upscale hotels and their airline could still make a decent profit, that would be fine with me. I'm simply pointing out that cost-cutting in both salaries and benefits will continue to be comprehensive and unrelenting in the airline industry, for the simple reason that the "cheap fare" is part of the fabric of the travel industry now. The cheap fare is a constant expectation by the travelling public. I'll say it again: airlines that can deliver cheap fares and still make a profit will survive; airlines that can't, won't.
Poundstone, you don't have a clue!!! I work for an international airline and we are one of the most profitable carriers in the world. Our contract is very specific about hotel requirements. First either 24hr/day room service or resturant in the hotel open 24 hours/day. Must have either business certer for internet or internet in the room. There are countless other criteria that must be met. The biggest one is "first class"
The problem as I see it is typical consumerism, champagne tastes on a beer budget.