Now, you can cut down Jet Airways, Vistara ticket prices, but there is a catch

Domestic carrier Jet Airways is passing through a bad phase and it is taking several measures like cost cutting, debt reduction and exploring alternative funding options to successfully implement a turnaround strategy. It is even implementing a policy that includes allowing passengers to cut ticket prices via the options they pick! Other airlines which are not in any revenue trouble too are making efforts to sharpen their competitive edge. This includes full service carrier Vistara. Under the scanner of both are meal menus! Reportedly, they have decided to unbundle their meal services.
 
Now, this would mean that passengers can opt for cheaper fares by skipping onboard meals. The catch is that you will be going hungry even though that means fares for domestic destinations will come down further! A DNA report said that average fare between Mumbai-Delhi, which hovers around Rs 3,000-3,500, will now be Rs 300 to Rs 500 cheaper if a passenger prefers not to have his/her meals on board!
 
The measures are being taken in response to Low Cost Carriers (LCC) eating into the aviation market pie. Citing insiders, the report says that fares could be further slashed as airlines consider offering similar options for check-in and hand baggage. 
 
Both these airlines may reportedly switch to a menu-based model, which FSCs across the globe are adopting now. Under this model, passengers can pick and pay for the services they choose.
 
"The revised offering will now allow guests to enjoy more value for money, by letting them choose a travel plan based on their preference, travel requirements and budget," a Jet Airways spokesperson reportedly said.
 
Meanwhile, industry insiders told DNA that this will further intensify competition among Indian carriers, which have been offering some of the lowest fares in the world despite soaring fuel prices. 
 
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Notably, rising fuel prices have hit the airlines hard as oil charges account for over 40 per cent of their cost.