Measuring how often travelers accept the lowest logical airfare (LLA) offered is both a common and viable metric in our industry. However, there are a few things that should be wrapped around this metric to make it more effective than just a surface percentage.
I'm sure glad the general public got to see a slew of those stupid "at the airport live" reports yesterday dished out from a local reporter -- stationed at their local airport. The occasion? Rising air fares.
CODE RED. CODE RED. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Oh my god Ethel, grab the children, bring them inside and make sure the doors and windows are locked.
Is there any other industry that all of us utilize on a fairly regular basis that has its prices examined so closely by the media?
Seriously.
Why is this?
For many years debate has raged concerning the correct construction and use of international airline fares. The argument is all about interpretation and clever manipulation of rules which can result in travellers and their employers enjoying major savings if their agent is smart enough to know the "loopholes." Such intelligence was, and still should be, a key differentiator between savvy and average TMCs.
