Care For a Coke With Your Inflatable Seat Cushion?

413442462_afb0bf0cb9_m.jpgSeems in an effort to increase customer loyalty (and decrease customer paranoia) since their recent Hudson River disaster, US Airways will be bringing back free drinks in their coach cabin starting on March 1! This includes sodas, juices, tea, coffee, and even water (wow!) on all US Airways and US Airways Express flights.

But don't take it from me. Fernand Fernandez (if that is his real name), Director of Marketing Programs, has this to say about the bold new marketing move: "We believe in our pay-for-what-you-choose-to-use -- or 'a la carte' -- business model, but it's still a work in progress. We are committed to remaining competitive and that's the main reason we have decided to bring back free drinks."

I don't even know where to start here. I mean, free drinks? Really? First of all, if this is actually a ploy to regain the competitive edge, then the least they could do is add some booze to the free stuff list (especially if they're going to leave free therapy off of it). And after depositing one New York to Charlotte flight in the icy Hudson River, I think US Airways passengers have had all the free water they can stomach.

If US Airways is truly committed to an "a la carte" business model, then I think they should start guaranteeing far less free Coke and far more pilots like this guy -- 'cause Fernand Fernandez may have a thing or two to learn about post-disaster brand revival, but Sully Sullenberger knows what's up.

Image Courtesy of liltree.

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