Harlan Platt in the Press
Should discount carrier Norwegian Air fly to the U.S.? Here’s what passengers think.
Northeastern University economist Harlan Platt says the debate reminds him of taxis fighting the inevitable spread of Uber. But the new, better way of running an airline — Norwegian Air is finding ways to reduce costs by breaking the old model of basing an airline in one country, employing people there and hiring its crew […]
The Street
There’s a 25% chance of a recession
A recession is not likely to transpire, because the strength in the U.S. economy is being balanced by weakness in Europe, China and in the oil patch, said Harlan Platt, a finance professor at the D’Amore McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston. Instead of panicking, investors should look for strong companies whose […]
Why are fliers avoiding the world’s largest airline?
But industry-watchers aren’t impressed by its efforts. “American Airlines proves the adage that customers will only put up with so much rudeness and discourtesy before they respond,” says Harlan Platt, a finance professor at Northeastern University.
Loyalty programs: Free perks or nefarious ploy?
More passengers are beginning to think of themselves as prisoners of an airline rather than willing participants in a loyalty program. And more industry observers are seeing the toxic effects of these programs on a free market. “I believe there’s little question that the primary purpose of these programs is to put loyalty ahead of […]
Economy class gets an upgrade…wait, make that a downgrade
Harlan Platt, a finance professor at Northeastern University, says that, from a customer-experience point of view, the Delta remodeling is largely “cosmetic.” “They fail to touch on the big three concerns of most passengers: legroom, access to bins, and fair prices and fees,” he says. “Like most oligopolistic industries, this is what we can expect […]
Alaska Airlines and Delta are unveiling new economy-class sections this spring
Harlan Platt, a finance professor at Northeastern University, says that, from a customer-experience point of view, the Delta remodeling is largely “cosmetic.” “They fail to touch on the big three concerns of most passengers: legroom, access to bins, and fair prices and fees,” he says. “Like most oligopolistic industries, this is what we can expect […]
U.S. News & World Report
6 bad financial habits you’re passing on to your kids
Never comparison-shopping. Or, at least, never engaging your children in your search. Comparing products and prices is a good way to show kids how to think critically about what they’re buying, which will come in handy as they grow older and start shopping on their own. “You should shop at home using the Internet seeking […]
Bogus travel deals, expired miles leave travelers fuming
Insincere offers aren’t confined to airline loyalty programs, although they can be among the worst offenders. Another class of disingenuous deal is the postcard that says you’ve won a “free” cruise or vacation. Check your mail, there’s probably one there now. “The catch is that you have to stay at a time-share facility and agree […]
How to cut your wireless bill down to size
Cell phone carriers are battling for your business by cutting prices, ditching contracts, and offering to pay your fee to switch. Act fast to lock in your savings. If you’re unhappy with your cell phone service—and really, who isn’t?—now might be a unique time to either renegotiate your contract or move to a new carrier. […]
Marketplace
Microsoft’s great debate
With 22 years under his belt, Satya Nadella is the consummate Microsoft insider. But don’t think that experience made him a shoo-in for the top job. One reason Microsoft went nearly six months without a CEO was because executives spent time looking for their new one outside the company. Microsoft is a case study of […]
