20% premium buys upgrade and greater flexibility (193 words)

Published: 5/16/2001

From May 2001, Siberia Airlines (Sibir), has introduced a special rates package for economy travellers on its Novosibirsk-Moscow route, called Econom-Premium. According to Sibir, the ticket, costing 20% more than a normal economy fare of Rb 4900 (around $168), provides passengers with additional services, including use of the business lounge at Tolmachevo Airport, for both check-in and waiting. There is also preferential sitting inside the aircraft, at the rear of the economy section, offering greater legroom. The ticket additionally allows timetable changes, or the return of tickets up to three hours before a flight, without penalties. It also permits changing dates or return tickets less than three hours before the flight, for a penalty of 10% of the ticket price. Children aged between 2-12 years old fly at a 50% discount. The introduction of the new tickets comes after being on trial for three months on the Omsk-Moscow route, where the response to the package was strong, according to the airline. Sibir is currently reviewing the possibility of introducing the new tickets on other routes, contingent on demand.

Article ID: 2532