Plane Conversations

Over the years we have seen more and more travel aggregators come into the online marketplace. Now you can go to dozens of different websites to find the lowest possible price for your next trip. As an industry, we have subsequently seen prices going lower as the airlines fight to the bottom to fight for market share. This does not drive down the cost of operation for flying the aircraft, it just lowers the consumer perception of what travel is worth.

(via http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/11/29/prweb8985424.DTL) Superfly, a technology startup at the forefront of travel innovation, today announced its new smart flight search engine. Superfly’s engine is a unique online platform that personalizes flight search by adding an individual’s data — frequent flyer miles, elite statuses, rewards programs and individual preferences — into the decision-making process of choosing a flight. For the first time, travelers can fully take advantage of their frequent flyer miles and rewards programs when booking travel online.

“Today’s mainstream flight search websites completely ignore the impact of consumer data,” said Jonathan Meiri, CEO of Superfly. “This is a defining issue for the future of online travel services. Superfly is a secure tool that not only has access to all the flights in the world, it also combines that information with personal travel preferences in order to help consumers figure out which flight is right for them.”

Google’s recent acquisition of ITA Software has marked the dawn of a new age in online travel. Many industry players are now using the same travel data, essentially turning flight search into a commodity. This will most likely unleash a wave of innovation as incumbents look to differentiate their services.

“Superfly is an incredible tool that will bring great value to travelers, particularly frequent flyers,” said Kenneth Esterow, an advisor of Superfly and former CEO of GTA by Travelport. “It is particularly useful to heavy users and corporate travelers.”

Superfly enables consumers to maximize the value of their miles and make better travel decisions. Rather than focusing solely on presenting the cheapest flight, Superfly helps individual consumers identify the options with the greatest personal value. Travelers can use Superfly’s personal travel insights to better manage their rewards programs and cash-in on the opportunities they present.

When all you focus on when you are looking for a service is price, everyone will lose. Value is a much more sustainable model and can lead to more growth and innovation. All of us here at Social Flights support the efforts of companies like Superfly and look forward to leading the charge with them into an innovative and prosperous age of travel.

When a community comes together around a common cause, real change can happen. In the small town of Charleston, West Virginia , everyone came together to support their community airport and created a big change.

According to a recent article in The State Journal by Ann Ali (http://www.statejournal.com/story/16333075/partnerships-community-focus-keep-north-central-air-fares-low)

Fares at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Clarksburg went down this year, from $539.02 in 2010 to $505.11 in 2011. Its comparable airports raised their fares, along with every other airport in West Virginia. Average domestic air fares went up 8.5 percent nationwide from 2010 to 2011, according to numbers from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, going from $341 in the second quarter of 2010 to $370 in the second quarter of 2011.

“We want the public to see the good deals that are out there,” Rock said. “We’re trying to provide good service to our community and take ownership of our airport. The best way is to educate them about what we have, and by doing that, we’re able to get people through the doors.”

Rock said the public thought the local airport’s prices were high, but his staff members has gone to great measure this year to do their own research to point out deals.

“We want regional parity, and our partners at Pinnacle (Airlines), we push them on that,” Rock said. “And they agreed and worked with us on that.”

Rock said his goal is to get members of the community to look to North Central West Virginia Airport when planning trips, rather than automatically booking flights from Pittsburgh or other nearby larger airports.

“We want people to at least check us out and see if we fit their budgets and schedules,” Rock said. “And I think people have done that, and we’re very thankful.”

Rock said his industry has a lot of volatility, such as fuel prices, but air travel remains competitive.

“We ask everybody to support their local airports,” he said.

We want all of the local communities out there to look at the problems the current air system and start to think local. Just because the big carriers are pulling out of your area, forcing you to drive 2 hours to the nearest airport to find a viable option doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Come together with those you live with and collectively make a better option for everyone.

With Social Flights Community Air Service Program, you will be able to create your own charter airline using the power of on-demand jets service and social media. The revolution starts with you.