@Mike – fuel costs are definitely going to be the deciding factor, but if the flight costs a little bit more and you know that you’re going to be treated to some new snacks or beverages, I think there’s a niche where people will pay a little bit more to be treated like people.

Also, since I first wrote this post, I was at a BBQ and friend had brought Terra Chips. She too had flown a Porter flight the week before and also hunted down a bag of Terra Chips when she landed. I imagine Terra must be paying quite a bit to have Porter distribute them in flight, but the amount of word-of-mouth exposure they’re getting is probably worth it.

On an alternate note, related to your chips, my brother was recently on a flight out west where he got a Chipotle chicken wrap that was branded with a Swiss Chalet logo on it. He said it was the best tasting thing Swiss Chalet ever came out with, and when he went to get one ad his local restaurant, they said it wasn’t nor has ever been on their menu. This is probably a good example of what you are saying, but he never had a chance to fill out a card to comment. And, when i’m flying, if something is plunked down next to me on an 8 hour flight, unless completely horrible, i’ll eat it as it is still technically one of the most expensive meals I have ever paid for.

All in all, interesting ideas, but I think fuel costs will be the ultimate deciding factors for the airlines. With so many airlines and tour companies shutting down, like XL Tours in the UK, Zoom, and now Alitalia barely clinging to life, its going to get alot more difficult in the coming years, and you’ll keep seeing more and more conveniences being stripped down.

Ever noticed how the bathrooms don’t have the little soaps anymore?