If Airlines Want Customers Back, They Need to Think Like a Marketer

Like many I listened to The New York Times The Daily recently, recapping woes of summer airline travel chaos driven by staffing shortages. Many more expert brains will be needed to answer the human capital questions, but I thought: How would I solve this like a Marketer?

My answer? Vertical integration.

People are flying to different places than before as remote work unlocks new blends of work and vacation, plus many of us are finally free of major COVID fears thanks to vaccines. So imagine this: The Walt Disney Company has solid estimates of guests visiting their parks, and often know their city of origin. What if they bought out entire flights to Orlando from DFW or JFK, and customers could add guaranteed flight services to their Disney Parks package? The airline would get guaranteed, forecastable revenue. Customers would get peace of mind and planning simplicity.

Take it one step further – what if your flight to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World was ALSO Star Wars themed?

Who wouldn’t pay EXTRA for a flight that transforms the plane cabin to a star shuttle, the flight attendants to members of The Resistance, and droids delivering Bantha milk or other beverages to your seat?

Multiple studies show about 75% of Millennials would spend more on an experience than an object. For travelers already seeking an experience, maybe that should start before they even arrive?

Does your brand need help thinking like a marketer? Let’s talk!

This post was originally published on LinkedIn by Social Factor VP of Strategy and Insights, Eric Swayne