Delta to allow passengers to book through Facebook

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Ideally, you'd want to reach a wider demographic, but Delta has tried -- and failed (see Song) -- in doing this, thanks to the value airlines. Their business model doesn't seem to fit this. Someone who books through Facebook (or any other social medium) is likely going for convenience and cost (which would fit SW/JB), whereas Delta has promoted itself as a "total flight experience" airline (different classes of travel, SkyMiles, etc).

This appears to be an attempt to change their business model, or at least parts of it, no?

And yes, I've read statistics that say the the average Facebook user is 30-40ish using the site to reconnect with old friends. The "real" Facebook user (daily usage, interacting with several areas of the site) is the younger demographic. These are the people who are going to go with low-cost airlines because, well, they're cheaper.

Any stats on this? I'm curious - I just don't agree with your definition of "real" here, and think it's more an impression than fact.

From a consumer standpoint, I can see it being a good thing. I guess I'm just thinking about it from Delta's perspective. It just doesn't seem to make sense to spend resources to go after a demographic that likely won't end up using your product.

Yeah - but I just don't see any real resources expended here. It'll tie into existing online ordering/reservation architecture, you already have programmers on staff for your web presence, and it is yet another way to reduce the total overhead per purchase . . . seems like a low-risk/high-reward concept.