To keep passengers in the skies, airlines will do just about anything. That’s why United Airlines is now offering a new “deal” for checked bags.

According to a  recent article the $249 annual program allows subscribers to carry on two bags per flight with no additional costs. For frequent travelers who regularly dish out additional money in baggage fees this scenario might be a good bargain. Yet, as the article points out, perhaps the package is bogus to begin with:

While the new service won’t cover charges associated with overweight or oversize bags, it encourages United’s customers to get their money’s worth by packing at least two bags on every flight. Admittedly, the airline is probably counting on customers to sign up for the program but not actually use it. Even so, United is sending the message that the link between baggage weight and fuel consumption — the very reason cited for baggage fees, overweight fees and other charges — is effectively meaningless. In so doing, it casts a great deal of doubt on its own pricing structure.

As many have seen and experienced through the current recession, generating business is difficult. Yet, just as important to the success of a business—and just as difficult—is maintaining existing relationships. As The Methodology Blog has covered before, situations  where fees and pricing structures are debatable, often frustrate stakeholders.

At Slaughter Development, we believe that one of the greatest threats to any new business venture is goals which have lasting, negative effects on current clientele. Of course, maintaining a bottom-line and turning a profit are key to the success of business; however these should not be at the expense of those stakeholders who fund the business as clients. If you’re looking to simultaneously improve business and customer relations, contact us today. Through our Workplace Diagnostics Program and Business Process Modeling, we assist in developing processes that will not only bring stakeholder satisfaction, but will bring financial satisfaction to both your business and your customers.

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