Another large airline has joined the likes of Alaska Airlines in launching a new unlimited flight subscription model in recent days. After years of being forced to stay at home due to the pandemic ruining travel plans for millions of travelers, the idea of traveling non-stop for several months sounds to many travelers like it would be a dream come true – and now thanks to the growth of unlimited flight subscription models, it’s a dream that is close to becoming a reality for many travelers.
With a significant amount of flights facing either delays or cancellations over the past few months – and with the chaos expected to continue well into the new year – is a flight subscription model the best way to protect against cancellations, or is it a gimmick that most will be unable to enjoy enough to get value from it? Here’s a look at the latest flight subscription model to hit the market, plus a recap of existing models and a look at whether or not they’d be a solid investment for travelers.
Airline Adds Subscription Model – Information For Travelers
Following in the footsteps of Alaska Airlines, an airline in New Zealand has become the latest to offer passengers a subscription service that allows them to take an unlimited number of flights within a three-month window. Sounds Air, a modestly sized airline with a fleet size of ten aircraft and 9 destinations across New Zealand, has become only the second airline to offer such a ticket, though it could well pave the way for others to jump on the bandwagon in the coming months.
Called the Sounds Air Season Pass, travelers can purchase the ticket for just $799 NZD (around $500 US). With the season pass, holders can take an unlimited number of flights across the country between September 1st 2022 and November 30th 2022. Perfect for backpackers looking to see as much of the country as they can, the airline has limited sales of the all you can fly ticket to just 1000, meaning those looking to take advantage of the offer may need to act fast.
Travelers are able to visit a range of destinations across New Zealand with the season pass, including every destination that Sounds Air flies to at present. The full list of the routes available to fly with the pass is as follows:
- Wellington to Picton
- Wellington to Nelson
- Wellington to Blenheim
- Blenheim to Paraparaumu
- Nelson to Paraparaumu
- Wellington to Westport
- Wellington to Taupo
- Blenheim to Christchurch
- Christchurch to Wanaka
Of course, there are some important terms and conditions that come with the pass. Flight bookings must be made 7 days prior to travel and be booked by calling the call center. Season pass holders are also only permitted to have two active return bookings at any time. Additionally, changes and cancellation requests made at least 24 hours prior to travel will incur a $40 fee, whilst no-shows for flights will see the season pass suspended, with a charge of $150 required to re-activate it.
Sounds Air’s subscription model is different from the other subscription model available on the market, offered by Alaska Airlines. Alaska’s offering lasts for a year and allows travelers to fly on up to 24 roundtrip flights per year. Travelers can opt for the standard ‘Flight Pass’ or the upgraded ‘Flight Pass Pro, which grants passengers the ability to book their flights and fly just two hours later.
Whilst it’s yet to be adopted as a mainstream ticket type, giving travelers the option of booking an unlimited number of flights could potentially minimize the impact that cancellations and delays have on passengers, who could simply rebook another, more convenient flight easily at no extra charge. Whilst there are some environmental concerns regarding all you can fly travel, it could still prove to be a popular choice for those who want to make up for lost time as a result of the pandemic.
