Delta Air Lines'
It's a clear attempt to differentiate itself in a market where one low-cost carrier changed all the rules -- namely, JetBlue
It's a strange time for Song's odd promotion, since airlines probably aren't feeling all that nice right now. Delta itself is in the midst of a reorganization, while rival Continental
Meanwhile, yesterday's news was fraught with headlines about the high price of fuel driving carriers to hike fares. Delta, Continental, UAL's United, Northwest
Delta said it will raise the price of your ticket, and discounter Southwest
Song's interesting promotion will occur in June, and involves 5,000 tickets to be given away for the September through November period. CNN reports that each Song flight attendant will award four tickets to whomever's not naughty but nice.
While interesting (and bringing up lots of fascinating ideas, like the definition of the word "nice" on an airplane -- let's hope it doesn't mean who's the best-looking passenger), it seems unlikely that the promotion will do much more than generate some buzz. That may be needed, judging by JetBlue's mettle in attracting a boatload of customers, nice or not. Some contend that despite Song's attempts to follow JetBlue's footsteps, it's still the same old song and dance, unable to break away from Delta's more traditional roots.
Flying the friendly skies could have a whole new ring now. Oh, to be a fly on the wall of those cabins.
Are you planning a trip? We have a Travel Center for lots of tips on traveling cheap -- and lots of very nice people to chat with about flying on a budget on our Cheap Air Fares discussion board.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any companies mentioned. She has a roommate who likes to travel and is exceedingly nice -- who knows, she could be on to something here.