Airlines work hard to competitively price their cheap fares, be they cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages. Often the real challenge for airlines is how to appeal to travelers when their prices match their competitors. Increasingly in flight amenities are starting to be added by some airlines.
The following are examples of amenities select airlines have started to offer:
SAS has installed stretch bars on some jets to aid with in flight exercise.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) assigned a womens only lavatory on some of its international flights in February. Its popularity has resulted in ANA adding a mens only toilet in May.
Asiana Airlines, a South Korean based airline, offers a Happy Mom Service at many airports which includes a separate check in line for families traveling with small children. On board these families are being offered complimentary nursing blankets, baby slings, and baby seats.
The Happy Mom Service has been so well received that in November Asiana introduced a Pre-Mom service that provides expectant moms with a dedicated check in line and an electric cart to take them to the departure gate for early boarding. On board Pre-Moms are given sleeping socks and front row seating for easier access to lavatories.
Turkish Airlines offers free, guided city tours of Istanbul to passengers facing long layovers between flights.
Horizon Airlines, a regional carrier of Alaska Airlines, offers passengers seated in every section of their planes a complementary selection of Northwest wines and microbrews. Alaska Airlines offers complimentary Mai Tai cocktails to all adults on flights to Hawaii and complimentary tropical POG juice to children.
Throughout December American Airlines offered discounted happy hour drink prices on select flights during the 5 oclock hour.
AirTran, Delta, and Virgin America passengers were offered free Wi-Fi in flight service through January 2nd, 2011 courtesy of Google Chrome.
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