Free US flights for 'being nice'

Delta is struggling financially

A US airline says it will offer customers free tickets if they are nice to one another during flights.

Cabin staff on Delta's low-fare carrier, Song, will each be issued with four tickets to give away to passengers at their discretion during June.

Customers who, for example, help others with their bags, or remain positive and upbeat during delays or difficulties are thought most likely to be rewarded.

The airline industry is struggling to recover from the slump after 9/11.

High fuel prices are another negative factor.

I just hope there are not that many people that are nice - yields are bad enough already Ray Neidl Airline analyst

Song hopes the initiative will build customer loyalty and generate more revenue for Delta.

The company lost more than $3bn in three years and recently warned about the possibility of bankruptcy.

"We always give away products when people have a problem," Song chief executive John Selvaggio said.

"I'd love to see what happens when you give away a ticket for somebody doing something good."

The BBC's Jeremy Cooke in New York says some industry analysts are sceptical about the wisdom of airlines offering free tickets.

"Next thing you know, they'll be paying you to fly," said Ray Neidl, airline analyst at Blaylock & Partners.

"I just hope there are not that many people that are nice - yields are bad enough already."