Zoom zips across the pond
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Posted on: June 22nd, 2007 by Rosie Vaughan-Jones
Although many airlines, both budget and traditional carriers, have announced in recent months that they would be introducing transatlantic flights, Canadian budget carrier, Zoom Airlines has beaten them all to the punch.
The low-cost carrier launched its first direct flight from New York to London on Thursday and continues to offer them daily with one-way prices as low as $199 without tax.
Zoom has been providing flights between Canada and the United Kingdom since 2003. Its transatlantic fares are significantly lower compared to the traditional carriers on the same routes. Travel search engine Expedia shows one way tickets from New York to London in the summer with airlines like British Airways and Delta selling around $400.
However one airline expert, Terry Trippler, pointed out some of the flaws in Zoom’s service. Trippler operates a travel club Tripplertravel.com. He said that since there is only one plane on the New York to London route, passengers are more likely to face delays and cancellations when something goes wrong than those who fly with larger airlines.
“Under normal conditions, United (Airlines) or American (Airlines) would be a better deal,” Trippler said.
While the low-cost model for air travel has been very successful for domestic and short haul flights both in Europe and North America, many are also doubtful about its ability to work on longer trips. But Zoom is still alive after four years in that very market.
“We’ve been successful in the Canada to UK (market), so we’re bringing the low-cost, long-haul model into the U.S.,” said David Clements, vice president of sales and marketing.
www.flyzoom.com
Carter
Yes, one plane for the route. That’s why I was delayed 24 hours by Phuket Air, who had bought only one second hand 747 for their fleet so they could go ‘international’. (previously and currently they served only domestic within Thailand)
The plane was beset with problems all the time, and was subsequently banned from landing in Holland and France before the London debacle.
Using one plane on one long haul route poses risks and if it’s a budget airline offering cut price fares, then they should do their utmost to make sure the planes are 100% perfect condition.
ME
I had no probs flying on a budget carrier in Australia, the plane was more relaxed and the food was better as we had to pay for it.
It’s when airlines start trying to save cash and cut back on maintainence that setbacks occur. In the case of Phuket air, the plane they bought was an old KLM reject.
JP
Low cost long haul travel doesn’t ring true. We’re talking cutting costs coupled with safety and the two just don’t go hand in hand.
Phuket Air’s messy foray into cheap long haul flights was a prime exemple of what not to do.