The Future of Flying is here.... almost

Derrie-Air took to the skies today rolling out a new concept in fare structure. Based out of Philadelphia International Airport, Derrie-Air features non-stop service to many of the nation's busiest destinations. In a twist on legacy airlines (American, United, etc.) though, Derrie-Air will charge fliers by the pound for themselves and their luggage. "Since the highest variable expense for any airline is jet fuel, and jet fuel usage is directly tied to the amount of weight carried by the aircraft, it only makes sense to explore this approach in pricing," said travel analyst Richard Hertz.

In checking their website, the fare between Philly and Chicago is $1.40 per pound. So, a svelte female tipping the scales at 140 lbs. (115 body weight, 25 luggage/carry-on) would pay $196 while a more portly plumper woman at 215 lbs (180 body weight, 25 luggage/carry-on, 10 in airport Cinnabon bags) would fork over $301. The more traditional freight businesses (over the road trucking, overnight shipping, U.S. Mail, etc.) have charged a base fee per pound for years. Derrie-Air is pushing the envelope and bring the idea to the human market.

(OK folks, if you haven't already figured it out, this is not a real airline. It is a remarkable advertising campaign carried out today by Philadelphia Media Holdings to demonstrate the power of their advertising campaigns. Click the link for the MSNBC Story on the hoax.)

The ironic things about this story are 1) it's totally believable and 2) it makes a lot more sense than the current system. Airlines are trying to reduce weight load all of the time. Why do you think most are charging for a second checked bag (and many will soon start charging for any checked bag)? Luggage=weight=increased fuel burn. Replace "luggage" with "passenger" and the formula still applies. Why shouldn't our portly plumper pay more than our svelte female? Before you get all worked up, I'm not the slimmest of guys so I'd be hit harder than some.

With charges for booking over the phone, curbside check-in, first checked bag, second checked bag, preferred aisle seating, window & aisle surcharges, in flight beverages and food, headphones, reservation change fees, pay toilets, and just about anything else the airlines can think of maybe this makes more sense than people believe. In every joke there is a kernel of truth. So don't be too surprised if Derrie-Air soon begins offering service to an airport near you.