Passengers who can see what they’re buying are more likely to spend extra for more legroom and other seating improvements. That’s the theory Austrian Airlines is working with as the carrier announced the introduction of a 3D preview during the seat selection process. The new service is available today on the airline’s website for flights operated on its Boeing 777 fleet.
Austrian is the latest airline to sign on with the Crystal Cabin Award-winning 3DSeatMapVR offering from Renacen. United Airlines announced a similar partnership a couple weeks ago, kicking off with the company’s new CRJ550 model. Like Austrian, the United version is limited currently to the website. Austrian intends to extend the service to its online check-in portal in the near future, as well as potentially to additional aircraft types.
In addition to offering details on the view from every seat on board Austrian also includes the price charged for passengers to purchase that seat assignment where applicable. The details are included in the display, making it easier for a customer to choose whether to purchase the seat or not directly through the booking flow.
The Renacen platform uses 3D renderings of the cabins to develop the maps rather than “real” photos from on board. While that can slightly skew the details delivered it also means much faster development times and easier updates if the airline needs to adjust the offering.
Austrian is the first of the Lufthansa Group carriers to trial the service. If the test proves successful expect to see it expand to other airlines in the group moving forward.
It is also worth noting that the news comes as the carrier announced relatively poor results for the most recent quarter and plans to trim staff at its Vienna hub. The hope for strong return vis a vis ancillary fee upsells with this product is very real for the carrier.
Initial destinations covered by the 3D seat map view on Austrian include Los Angeles, New York, Cape Town, Mauritius, Bangkok, Tokyo.
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