h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Obviously, they would have preferred their planes and passengers to be blown out of the sky then?

Just about everyone involved lost money, but at least no-one lost their lives.

Clearly not your favourite airline, then?



Websailor

Forgot subject.

Well, I'm taking a slant on the main story of the day I guess. I'm not very big into their methods, but they have taught a lot of the more complacent airlines a thing or two.

PS - got your mail, have yet to reply. Will try tonight. W

Thanks for email. Yes, they have made a huge impact on other airlines, perhaps for the better, but their cheese paring has caused a lot of ill feeling, particularly among disabled passengers this end.

'You gets what you pay for' as they say, but I always wonder what has been sacrificed to do it so cheaply? I just couldn't see how they could expect a massive payout in compensation for something done to protect everyone's safety, even if a bit over the top. It seems if they succeed in claiamiang for loss of earnings and revenue, the money will go to charity, which, while nice seems a bit odd. The business obvioulsy doesn't need the money that badly.

Websailor

They're a phenomenally rich company. A lot of the money has been generated from planes that are almost always packed to capacity, and the additional sales they generate on-board the plane. They also save a lot of money in landing fees by going to smaller airports and they are very tough bargainers. They bought a whole fleet of new Boeings for bargain basement prices just after September 11, because no-one wanted to by planes except for them. They do offer very low fares, but they also offer very high fares - it depends where and when you want to travel. The entire aim is to pack every plane, because a filled seat gives them more opportunities to sell. They're an MBA School case study, believe me. Lots of budding entrepreneurs are looking to be the next Michael O'Leary.