Airline Alliances Change Travel Horizon
Businesses partnerships and alliances have long been a great way to expand services, and airlines offer the prime example of alliance building. In the last few years, three major alliances have formed to dominate the airways: Oneworld, Star, and Skyteam. The alliances have managed to provide some benefits to their customers while making it easier for airlines to operate in areas restricted by governmental regulations. If you are a person that likes to accumulate sky miles, it also helps to find carriers who will honor that arrangement in a wider network.
It Sounds Simple
On the face of it, the alliance sounds simple. Several airlines get together and decide to code-share their flights, meaning that each uses the same flight number or code for several different routes and carriers. If one carrier does not have access to a specific route because they are not allowed to operate in that area, they can always turn to a partner who does to code-share the route and get their customers to their final destination. This simple strategy, however, can be confusing to a consumer if not properly explained. For one thing, a flight can be booked and purchased under one carrier name, but upon arriving at the airport they find that the actual carrier is a different company. This sleight-of-hand trick can be forgiven, however, when it becomes obvious that the customer gains the advantage by not having to forfeit their sky miles for a route that the previous carrier may not serve.
Sky Miles Work
Ever since the major airlines introduced the sky miles rewards program it has been a big hit with travelers. Frequent flyers for business can get free upgrades as perks and even free tickets. However, they are not as important as loyalty program now that many different carriers honor the same sky miles agreement when they join an alliance. The agreements might vary slightly in that free upgrades may not be available in all airlines, but other perks like priority boarding and access to lounges seem to be consistent throughout the alliance. In terms of keeping customers satisfied, the alliance actually makes sure more customers can use their sky miles, regardless of the airline that they use for their flight, as long as it is within the same alliance.
Other Advantages
Businesses like the alliance format because it allows them to expand services while reducing operational costs. They can offer more destinations, helping to create a seamless experience for travelers, particularly International travelers. With more available carriers providing potential routes with code-sharing, there are more departure times available. The routes can also be highly optimized by using multiple carriers and the shortest routes, providing the best service at the least cost. Customers like it because shorter travel times are always welcome. While it is not a perfect system and customers need to stay aware of the word code-share when they book (to avoid going to the wrong carrier), it can be a great way for both the business and the customers to benefit.
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