SUMMARY
Today's airlines are leaving younger travelers behind. As loyalty programs lose value and low-cost carriers sacrifice comfort for price, an entire generation is missing out on premium travel experiences. Seat Operandi intends to connect passengers with unsold seats up to a week in advance of departure on Legacy carriers, at discounted rates. Offering the premium flying experience without the premium price tag. It's not about filling seats; it's about introducing and inspiring the next generation of loyal passenger-airline relationships.
challenge
While 89% of Boomers are enrolled in airline loyalty programs, only 65% of Gen Z are, and even fewer actively engage. The once mutually beneficial relationship of airlines, passengers and loyalty programs has dissipated in the past decade due to increased demand. Resulting in airlines making it harder to achieve status, and next to impossible for younger generations to afford. However, younger passengers have proven they are willing to sacrifice comfort for cost, skipping a premium flying experience all together. Knowing this, how can we mend this fractured relationship and restore value in airline loyalty for both airlines and passengers?
Outcome
In response to the declining loyalty rates, I created Seat Operandi. This solution creates value from empty premium seats on legacy airlines by offering them at discounted prices up to a week before departure, directly challenging last-minute price increases. Every aspect, from design to cost, is tailored to appeal to younger travelers, offering a window into premium travel and inspiring long-term loyalty. Rather than functioning as a third-party booking service, Seat Operandi will serve as an adoptable digital extension for a global airline alliance, benefiting both their member airlines and optimizing the potential for new loyal flyers.
