What's the actual benefit of being in an alliance?

[jml0335]

Soory to sound rude, but is there actually a purpose to alliances? I've searched th manual, but it doesn't say. Other than prestige, is it actually worth joining one?

Thanks in advance!
Management of TransCaribbeanInternational

[MrOrange]

It depends on your goals. Alliances allow you, as well as other alliance members, to use a certain (up to 25) flights from all bases owned by alliance members. That's pretty much the only in-game benefit, as well as possible downside. Out-of-the-game, some alliances have official game brokers on their memberlist, who can get you first bids on used airplanes or new airplane orders, as well as lower markups for brokerage orders. Also, alliance members might be able to help out if you have a conflict with another airline, or if you just need some good advice.

[MrOrange]

Oh, and moved to General Chat.

[jml0335]

Thank you very much for the help!

(sorry for putting it in the wrong place! :oops: )

[MrOrange]

No problem

[LOT 737-300]

Alliances give you the chance to operate flights from your alliance member's hubs as alliance flights. Different ones have differnet policies, though try to becareful which one you join, particularly when it comes to larger ones, as those will usually result on the largerst alliance ally coming in and flooding your base with larger planes and competing with you on routes that they wouldn't have been otherwise.

I recall there was a small LF boost, nothing huge, but somewhat noticable. I'm not sure if this is still in effect or ever was put into effect.

[MrOrange]

Alliances give you the chance to operate flights from your alliance member's hubs as alliance flights. Different ones have differnet policies, though try to becareful which one you join, particularly when it comes to larger ones, as those will usually result on the largerst alliance ally coming in and flooding your base with larger planes and competing with you on routes that they wouldn't have been otherwise.

Depending on how strict your alliance makes their rules, that is definitely true.

I recall there was a small LF boost, nothing huge, but somewhat noticable. I'm not sure if this is still in effect or ever was put into effect.

I think it was planned but not implemented, not sure on that though.

[Air Elbonia]

I recall there was a small LF boost, nothing huge, but somewhat noticable. I'm not sure if this is still in effect or ever was put into effect.

I think it was planned but not implemented, not sure on that though.

It is in effect, and is in place, however it doesn't affect the order in which things are processed so the up to 20% boost in demand isn't the greatest assistance at the moment.  Depending on how it compounds, it can be helpful, and can smooth out a little the tiny planes hopping on a route.

[Sheep Air]

It depends on the alliance. Within my alliance, which has strict joining criteria, we have limits on how many routes we can each operate from an alliance base, to stop large members stomping on other members, but not all alliances do this. It lets you expand your route network around the world, if you get big enough to need that expansion, or increase gate utilisation within a continent. We've been laughed at in the past for the fact we do allow free competition between members on some types of routes, but it works for us, two rounds running as largest alliance

Generally, Alliance members will hand-me-down or broker aircraft as well, at below market cost, and if involved in route wars, it's sometimes nice to be able to call in support from fellow alliance members - that doesn't happen too often but it's there if we need it... There is always someone with a spare large plane they can devote to ruining a route

[travismb99]

Yes, one of the biggest benefits is friendly assistance, especially within an alliance.

As SheepAir said, good alliances will have bigger members offering cheap lease/sales to smaller members to help them grow, and will provide coordination for competitive issues so as to minimize fare warring. That makes it more fun for everyone... faster growth, less stupid hassle.

[MrOrange]

Edited two posts above me - Reason: No advertisement allowed outside the alliance forum.

Honestly, I don't have anything against your alliance, it's just against forum rules.

[Sheep Air]

Apologies - but we are a closed alliance, so we don't advertise. We did say strict!

OTOH, since we'd made ourselves out to be such a paragon of an alliance, probably as well you edited - it gets embarrassing saying no all the time  :oops:

[MrOrange]

Apologies - but we are a closed alliance, so we don't advertise. We did say strict!

OTOH, since we'd made ourselves out to be such a paragon of an alliance, probably as well you edited - it gets embarrassing saying no all the time  :oops:

Accepted I can't make exceptions to forum rules though, as you know.

[Thanks_for_the_upgrade]

The greatest benefit I've found is when the other members lend you a hand.  When I started last round I had several private offers for 50% on planes.  Later on in the round when I need a 707 or 747 in a pinch, they again came through and sold me several of their used jumbo jets at 50%.

[Air2000]

I think they are good especially if you want to expand onto long haul...

imagine your a EU based airline, and a fellow member is based in the US, lets say at JFK.

By purchasing a gate at JFK you are able to fly to any destination from JFK you wish, (providing... you have gates there!) (up to 25 in total)

it could help you utilise your gates in the EU, especially the more expensive gates, such as, for e.g. LHR FRA CDG etc etc......

some alliances have rules/regs/terms, for e.g. you cant set up flights from an alliance base if the airline based at that airport already operates that route.

some alliance will refuse to allow airlines in if there hubs conflict with existing airline