Double frequent-flier miles were offered for flights taken by March 14. Although some other airlines offered fares as low or lower, American was deluged with calls. American spokesman Mike Smith said the company was booking flights at about five times the normal rate. Our customers are important to us and we're going to do whatever we can to make sure they're happy. Travel agents say the carrier has dodged the bullet of ill will and negative publicity by bombarding travelers with news about the discounts.
People forget the news really quick.
It's a brilliant move - good, sound, solid management judgment. Boyd said that even though American isn't making as much from ticket sales, it may be gaining new customers. And while other airlines also have tried to capitalize on travelers' vexation with American, travel agents say they apparently are not having the same success. American was already in the spotlight because of the strike. They turned that into a lot of hype about low rates and discounts.