He added: "There must be full venues for premium events and if expensive package seats remain unsold, there's a case for being creative with the prices".
You can package seats and nobody comes.
Anyone can start an airline, package seats and compete with a stripped-down rate structure.
Optional equipment is extensive and expensive, including proximity-parking sensors (part of the $2,500 Premium package), 17-inch wheels (with the $2,000 Sport package), heated seats ($1,200 Winter package) navigation system ($2,200) and upgraded Alpine stereo ($1,200).
The $26,950 Saab 9-2X we tested also had a $1,950 sport package (17-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires and a power moonroof), a $1,695 premium package (leather seats and door inserts, xenon headlamps) and a $600 cold package (heated front seats, mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer).
My Astra XR two-door started at $18,495 and reached $20,380 with an optional leather package, heated seats, a six-disc stereo and 18-inch alloy wheels.
HOW MUCH? $37,885 including $685 shipping charge; $42,525 as tested, with options including $2,495 premium package (leather seats, power moonroof and power passenger seat), $695 traction control and $500 bi-xenon headlamps.
Fare Thee Well's "enhanced experience" – from the $2,200 Golden Road package (floor seats all three nights, plus private lounge and free food and drinks) to the top tier at $5,700 (including travel and accommodation) – sold out instantly.
The packages include seating at a $1,000-per-seat private reception and dinner on Sunday, access to a private after party, VIP seating at Monday's inauguration dinner reception and name recognition in the official program.
