Breeze Airways is still a “Nice” airline, but the carrier now has a not-as-nice fare option. Passengers can purchase a “No Flex” fare beginning this week, in addition to the carrier’s Nice, Nicer, and Nicest offerings. The No Flex fare sits in the basic economy category, with no flight changes permitted, among other limitations. But, in keeping with its efforts to offer nicer policies than other carriers, the fares are not totally without options.
Breeze‘s Nice, Nicer, and Nicest fares all include no change or cancellation fees on bookings. The new No Flex fare replaces that with a tiered scale of credit options, depending on when the customer makes a change. More than 60 days out they get 100% of their fare as a credit, while inside 1 hour no credit is offered.
The No Flex Fare also only includes a personal item (i.e. under the seat, not overhead bin) for passengers. Carry-on (and checked) bag fees vary by itinerary, but are typically $30-35 each way if booked in advance. Bag fees paid at the airport are $75.
Advance seat assignments are available on No Flex fares, but with a fee ($10-59 in the regular seats, up to $399 for the Ascent first class option). Ditto for inflight drinks or WiFi.
A quick review of fares suggests the up-charge from No Flex to Nice typically sits between $40-45, at least for now. Expect that the carrier will start to vary the rates more as the product matures and it better understands customer demand.
But why?
Obviously the answer is “to make more money,” but Breeze’s introduction of a basic economy fare certainly raises questions about its purpose. Unlike the comparable product from legacy airlines, Breeze is not competing with other U/LCCs in most of its markets. Then again, that’s not really what drives most basic economy deals anyways. Instead, it seems more likely the carrier is keen to cash in on the opportunity to draw customers in with a very low advertised rate and then drip the other bits on until the ticket. All under the guise of lowering fares for some travelers.
Which isn’t a very nice way to do business. But it works very, very well for airlines, so they keep doing it.
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