Mergers leading to perkier business class flights in the U.S.

With a plethora of mergers in the U.S. airline industry, business class flights are going to get much perkier and competitive in the days ahead. The ball has been set rolling after a bankruptcy judge recently cleared the merger of US Airways and American Airlines. Presently four major airlines are controlling 70 percent of the U.S. aviation market. With the mergers and entry of new carriers the fight for market share is going to get even shriller.

Finding the economy class market locked up with fewer service and fare options, major U.S. airlines have shifted their focus and have started introducing more business class flights aimed at targeting the more lucrative premium travelers. United Airlines is on record saying that business travel segment provides a “disproportionate share of total revenue”. Delta Air Lines has said that its top 5 percent of premium travelers account for 26 percent of revenue.
 
Analysts say that in the present situation premium flyers stand to gain tremendously. The perks on such flights would be outstanding. The airlines have already started offering flat, 180-degree seats, and this has become a standard in the airline industry. Express-meal service is among other new perks that has of late been introduced by many airlines. This service lets the passengers have their meals served and cleared quickly. Delta Air Lines is marketing its “Sleep Experience” initiative and providing “Heavenly In-flight Bedding” with special pillows and comforters. The airline is also offering a lumbar support pillow to its elite passengers on some flights.