May 21, 2008Flying just got more infuriatingAs if cramped seating, higher ticket prices and the growing inconvenience of canceled flights and lost luggage are not enough to make people dread flying, American Airlines says it's going to start charging some passengers $15 to check their first bag. Occasional travelers might be surprised to learn the major airlines already are charging to check more than one bag. They'll be watching how customers react to American's new policy. If passengers take the news calmly, we can expect other major carriers to follow suit. I predict increasingly desperate efforts to cram huge suitcases into small overhead carry-on bins, plus lots of territorial jostling. No extra charge for the show. I suppose I shouldn't complain. American also said it's going to take as many as 85 aircraft out of its fleet -- jets and commuter planes -- by the end of the year. Delta and US Airways also are cutting their fleets. The New York Times reports today that almost 30 U.S. cities have lost scheduled air service in the last year. The only thing worse than the lousy air service that has become the industry norm is no air service at all. |
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Comments
[May 21, 2008 4:34 PM]
Ed S."I predict increasingly desperate efforts to cram huge suitcases into small overhead carry-on bins, plus lots of territorial jostling. No extra charge for the show."
Exactly.
[May 21, 2008 5:07 PM]
HenryExpect to see people lugging steamer trunks onto aircraft. I won't fly anymore. I refuse to pay that much money to be treated that badly.
[May 23, 2008 8:45 AM]
JackHenry, I wouldn't fly either if I didn't have to.
I have a great job, that I love, but unfortunately it requires that I fly about eight times a month.
Everything about air travel has gotten horrible. From the ridiculous security checkpoints, to the cramped seats on the plane, to the delayed flights and the prices for them.
I've watched prices skyrocket here lately, and they're continuing to tack on other fees that are in addition to your fare.
I read not too long ago about one airline, I believe it is US Air, but not certain, that is going to charge an additional fee if you want a window or an aisle seat.
On many planes (every plane out of Roanoke) there aren't any seats except window and aisle seats.
Your best best would be to not select a seat at all. I do not believe you are charged if you are assigned it by the airline.
I am going to be in Orlando next month for a conference, so I was going to fly my wife and son down to go to Disney when I'm done. Allegiant had the nice $67/person one-way fares going. I though how nice that would be.
I went on their site and started to book it and found that for the two of them to go was more than $400. Allegiant charges for each bag (I believe it was $20 for the single bag) and then they were going to charge another $50 to select seats.
Anyways.. flying sucks.. but some of us unfortunately have to do it.
Anywhere I'm going that I can drive to in six hours though, I drive.