Many of the airlines serving Hawaii have yet to become active on Facebook. That’s about to change.
Soon, in addition to finding special deals and airline news and engaging with company representatives there, you’ll be buying tickets directly on the airline Facebook fan pages. If you’re not already on Facebook, this is yet another reason to jump in and learn to use this all important marketing and consumer space.
I predict that Southwest will be first to start the trend here in the U.S. That will follow the UK’s Easyjet, which has already indicated plans to sell tickets on Facebook. When these happen, expect to see Hawaiian and others jump on board quickly.
Airlines are often considered the consummate marketers. Some have been quick to recognize the value in Facebook and adopt its usage while others have not. Facebook now has over 400 million active users, so the timing is right.
I expect we’re about to see a lot more Facebook marketing coming from the airlines. That can only benefit us, the traveling public. An added feature is the ability to stay on Facebook when purchasing tickets and not have to use multiple log ins to navigate between booking sites.
For a more in-depth report on the airlines and their fan pages, refer to our TechSpokes website.
If you have a choice of buying tickets on the airline website or their Facebook fan page, which would you prefer?
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Husker Mike (2 years ago)
I’m not sure I trust the Facebook security model enough to purchase airline tickets. And frankly, I really don’t want my travel plans to be broadcast on Facebook.
Use Facebook to communicate sales? Maybe. But buy tickets? Nope.
Ed (2 years ago)
With airlines like Spirit now charging for carry-on luggage, I wonder what the airlines will charge for communicating to them via Facebook? Or Twitter? $10/tweet?
Ed
Jeff (2 years ago)
Thanks for comments. I don’t think there will be any charge to buy on Facebook, but who knows.
As for security, the same concerns were widely voiced early on about online purchases in general, and now look at it. In searching Facebook credit card transaction security, I found this statement:
Q: How do I know that my financial data is safe with Facebook?
A: Facebook uses SSL technology to securely transmit your credit card information. In addition, we keep your credit card number private; it is never shared with the application. Finally, we have a security team that uses state-of-the art technology and around the clock monitoring to ensure that your information is secure on our site and in full compliance with all regulations and security practices.
Aloha, Jeff
EnviroFusion (2 years ago)
The security issue on Facebook is questionable. I can barely log on properly. Not sure that would entice me to book a flight or anything that requires a form of payment.
Colleen (2 years ago)
Nope – no Facebook for me. I am old fashioned – just way too much info out there – I don’t tweet and I am not comfy with facebook.