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Comment by jtchang | Hacker News Reader

100% agree on the messaging here.

Is it use it or lose it type flights?

I didn't even notice the private terminal stuff (didn't get that far). I thought it was some type of group buying thing on big carriers like Delta, etc.

Private terminal is a huge win. I know some friends who want to live in LA but work remotely in SF. 1-2 flights a month in a private terminal for this pricing seems like a steal especially when you can shave off terminal/travel time at big airports.

This could be awesome for companies and employees. I could see a company having a remote employee in LA but wanting have a face to face meeting in the next 24 hours. Tickets would be super expensive but if you had a plan like this you could just fly them in fast. And if you needed more flights you could always book commercial.

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A corporate plan for x flights per month without a named passenger would be interesting, too. This would be useful for companies with employees in both cities who occasionally need to meet face to face with the other team. It would certainly be easier, faster, and probably cheaper than the cluster that arranging corporate travel currently is.

We're currently speaking with companies about something similar to this.

I noticed in your FAQ that you are flying Bombardier regional jets, which "are the same planes that are used by United Express, Delta Connection, and American Airlines".

There was a big stink* a few years ago about the big airlines using new pilots on regional routes and paying them so little that many were on food stamps. I don't want to put my life in the hands of someone who is worried about where their kids' next meal will come from. What is the starting salary for your pilots?

* https://www.wimp.com/michael-moore-pilots-on-food-stamps/

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/1wxkki/pilots_on_fo...

https://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2014/02/12/flyi...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23265283-pilots-on-food-...

Come on man, they are trying to get a startup running and are competing on price. Heaving a great benefit package for their employees is not core to that value proposition. If this is someone's main decicion point when choosing an airline they probably are better of with one of the big brand airlines.

I am also agreeing with the other comments on don't bash your competition that much. If you have a good offer - and you do - you don't have to do that. You just need to highlight your core benefits/conditions - your two hubs and the private terminal time saver.

SFO -> LAX is a $79 roundtrip. In your mind, how does this compete on price?

Did you read this point of the comment?

"I don't want to put my life in the hands of someone who is worried about where their kids' next meal will come from."

Salaries for our pilots are as competitive as major commercial carriers. A reason pilots have been interested in flying with us.

Just FYI this reads to me as “we are also paying them peanuts.”

Since your question is about salaries, it's not clear why you mention the type of jet they fly -- seems that your question would apply whether they are flying Gulfstream Business Jets, or Airbus A380's

Though I think you're more at risk on your drive to the airport from the truck or bus driver in the next lane that earns less money than a pilot.

It is use it or lose it flights. Flights don't role over. We're kicking around the idea of trying to make giving unused flights to friends or family work. Companies have shown a lot of interest in this. Most beneficial aspect is booking late with paying a high fare.

I am not your target market. I just wanted to say you are handling the feedback here better than most people seem to. I think that is a real strength, both in terms of PR and in terms of suggesting that you are prepared to learn and adapt. Both of those are important factors in success.

I will agree that the website talks too much trash about other services. Maybe list all the customary fees people expect that you don't have. That would be valuable information and doesn't require trash talking anyone. Something like:

No fee to print tickets.

No cancellation fee.

No bag check fee.

No other hidden fees.

Just one low price stated up front so you know exactly what to expect.

I will suggest that you might try apologizing less and thanking people more. It is more of a position of strength. For example, instead of apologizing that the site does not work on iPad, you could say something like "That's good info. We will get right on it. Thanks for letting us know."

Your replies here are fairly solid. I am not suggesting they are bad. I am only hoping to help you further up your game.

Best of luck.

I didn't even realize there was anything below the fold as the black div looked like a footer :S, went straight to the FAQ.

It is use it or lose it flights. Flights don't role over. We're kicking around the idea of trying to make giving unused flights to friends or family work.

Companies have shown a lot of interest in this. Most beneficial aspect is booking late with paying a high fare.

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