Tech Won't Save Us How Data Is Changing Air Travel w/ Amanda Mull
Dec 12, 2024
Amanda Mull, a senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, dives into how data is reshaping our air travel experiences. She discusses the shift towards premium seating in budget airlines and the impact of loyalty programs on pricing. The conversation highlights the complexities of post-pandemic travel demand and how airlines are adapting their strategies. Mull also critiques the ethical considerations of data usage in pricing, revealing how consumer behavior influences airline policies and ultimately passenger comfort.
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The Rise of Loyalty Programs
- Frequent flyer programs, pioneered by airlines, incentivize customer loyalty.
- Airlines reward this loyalty with perks like upgrades and lounge access.
Data-Driven Upgrades
- Airlines use data to target specific customer segments for upgrades.
- This "price discrimination" maximizes revenue by charging different prices for similar products.
Data Collection Through Loyalty Programs
- Frequent flyer programs are goldmines of customer data.
- Airlines track destinations, booking methods, and other details to create detailed customer profiles.