Marketing Briefs

World Airline News, May 29, 1998

Air France is expanding its on-board telephony services to allow passengers to book hotel rooms and buy tickets to a variety of events and concerts beginning June 1. Earlier this year, the airline introduced an in-flight taxi booking service with JetPhone. Calls to the Hotel Accommodation Booking Service are free to passengers while calls to the event booking service will be free for the first two minutes and FF10 for every 30 seconds thereafter. During June and July when World Cup soccer is being played, Air France passengers can call a World Cup Information Line to get the latest results and news.

A change in staffing strategy. United Airlines will implement a new flight attendant position - the purser - designed to enhance onboard service. These pursers are specially selected and trained flight attendants who not only will perform their normal duties, but also will lead the flight attendant team and set the tone on United flights. Purser training began in three locations this week. In June, 100 qualified pursers - identified by a new winged purser lapel pin - will be in United's operation. The carrier said that its program is unique because qualified pursers will provide service consistency and have the authority to take whatever actions are appropriate to meet customer needs. A full team of more than 3,000 qualified pursers will be flying by mid-1999.

Reno Air has joined the cyber world of weekly E-mail specials. Anyone registering at Reno's site will receive a weekly listing of rock-bottom priced fares on Wednesday for travel during the upcoming weekend.

Handled baggage. Delta Air Lines customers now can retrieve information about any delayed baggage through Delta's web site. Passengers just enter their name and baggage report number and can check the status of their mishandled luggage.