What if, instead of booking a flight on an airline, you booked a date, time window, arrival and departure and the airline made the flight when enough people were in? It would then choose the time, airplane, and price depending on the demand for the flight.

I can imagine what a logistical nightmare this would be to coordinate with the FAA, both airports, and the pilots, but why not start at smaller regional airports with 'for hire' flights? Present the airlines with "22 people, 4:30 RDU to JAN on 4/13/08" and the airlines would either accept or reject, and if accepted, bid a price per person, with the winning airline making the flight.

Just so you know my motivation, I am typing this at the airline's hotel, having just volunteered my seat off of an overbooked flight (after recently flying on an almost empty 757). To be honest, I am not sure how pricing and confirmation to the customer would work - any ideas???

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree