New discount airline: Skybus

[NoName]

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/disp...1_K66FVA7.html

Skybus Airlines got off to a fast start during its first day of business yesterday, selling 60,000 one-way tickets by 5 p.m.

The Columbus airline, which will start flying May 22, is using a low-fare strategy that includes offering $10 fares for at least 10 seats on every flight. [...]

There will be more where that came from. At a news conference yesterday morning to officially announce routes and fares, Skybus CEO Bill Diffenderffer said the airline plans to add seven more routes from Columbus within the next several weeks, bringing the total to 15 routes before the end of the year.

By 5 p.m. yesterday, $10 fares had nearly disappeared for the summer months on routes to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Los Angeles and San Francisco. They had been replaced by fares of $40 to $100 each way, still less than it would cost to fly on other carriers. Routes such as Richmond, Va., and Kansas City still had plenty of $10 tickets available. [...]

The Skybus way of doing business will take some getting used to for those accustomed to traditional airline policies. The carrier is providing no phone numbers for bookings or customer service. Also, Skybus will charge $5 each for checked bags and $50 for those who bring a third suitcase.

Another point of discussion on Internet chat boards was Skybus' "no-outside-food" policy. The airline plans to make money by selling onboard refreshments, including bottled water and potato chips.

Sounds good ... if you're flying to Columbus, Ohio ... and you don't want to eat onboard.

[1695814]

Another point of discussion on Internet chat boards was Skybus' "no-outside-food" policy.

are they going to be able to serve everyone with a restricted diet? I smell a lawsuit.

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by 1695814

are they going to be able to serve everyone with a restricted diet? I smell a lawsuit.

What would the basis of the lawsuit be? Is there a law requiring businesses to cater to those with restricted diets?

[Commander Keen]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

What would the basis of the lawsuit be? Is there a law requiring businesses to cater to those with restricted diets?

Discrimination?

[great3981]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

What would the basis of the lawsuit be? Is there a law requiring businesses to cater to those with restricted diets?

Not sure if a diabetic could find a legal case here or not. I sure wouldn't want them to find out.

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by L.G. Fuad

Discrimination?

I'm a vegan. So, I can start suing all the restaurants around here that don't serve vegan options on the basis of discrimination? That would be sweet, I would never have to work again. Unfortunately, I don't think that's true.

[Commander Keen]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

I'm a vegan. So, I can start suing all the restaurants around here that don't serve vegan options on the basis of discrimination? That would be sweet, I would never have to work again. Unfortunately, I don't think that's true.

I was thinking more along the lines of the people for whom their restricted diet was not a lifestyle choice.

[great3981]

I like how they tell you they have much more exciting destinations than they really do.

Boston = Portsmouth
San Francisco = Oakland
Los Angeles = Burbank
Seattle/Vancouver = Bellingham

I guess the only bad part is the Columbus part.

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by L.G. Fuad

I was thinking more along the lines of the people for whom their restricted diet was not a lifestyle choice.

Diabetics? Jews/Muslims? What's the difference between them and me? All of us are making the lifestyle choice to fly a cheap airline that doesn't allow you to bring on your own food---why could they sue for discrimination but not me?

[Commander Keen]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

Diabetics? Jews/Muslims? What's the difference between them and me? All of us are making the lifestyle choice to fly a cheap airline that doesn't allow you to bring on your own food---why could they sue for discrimination but not me?

You're right. There's always alternatives. There's no such thing as discrimination, as long as there are always alternatives.