I can’t even use the phrase ‘they are nickel and diming us to death’, because in all actually the only 5′s and 10′s they are charging are in multiple dollars! American Airlines announced that they will be charging passengers $15.00 for the first checked bag and $25.00 for the second checked bag on a flight.
I have heard and read the phrase ‘Runway Robbery’ used and it is so true. Under the guise of having to charge due to the cost of fuel after they have raised their flight costs just conjours up images of price gouging!
So I ask, what if there are too many people with carry on bags – will they start charging for that also? Also if the plane is full and you didn’t check your carry on bag and when at the gate the airlines tell you there is no more room in the cabin will they charge you to check you bag?
Even if the airlines are trying to do what they can to stay in business, I can better understand an increase in my flights fare vs. charging me for wanting to wear more than one outfit on a trip. This does not just effect business travel but vacation travel as well, if not more.
I can understand charging for overweight and over sized baggage. I can understand charging for a second bag (sort of) depending on the circumstances, what I can’t understand is that air travel passengers are being almost forced to check bags to follow TSA rules and then the airlines are going to penalize us for needing to bring a change of clothes with us when we travel from home to another location either for business or pleasure.
So this is what the airlines are charging us for right now…
1. If you book your flight on line you are charged a processing fee
2. If you book your flight with an airlines sales person you are charged a fee
3. If you book a flight and want to wear more than one set of clothes you will be charged a fee
4. If you want something to drink or eat on your flight they will charge you a fee
5. If you want to listen or watch the airlines “free” entertainment you are charged to use the earphones
6. If you want to have more leg room and sit in the premium seats they charge you
7. If you have to change your flight the airlines charge you
8. The ticket you buy most likely is non refundable and expires in one year from your original flight date
9. If you choose to use a Professional Travel Agent the airlines add additional costs
10. When you buy a airline ticket you already pay a Homeland Security Fee, a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), the federal taxes and the fuel surcharge tax.
So what are we getting charged more for when the way I see it we already are being charged everything under the sun just to take an airline flight. Car travel and train travel on Amtrak is looking so much more attractive to me everyday!
Like any and every business, it is understandable to raise prices to cover he cost of doing business and earning a profit. I am an informed consumer, don’t lie or hide behind an excuse to make more money. If the airlines can’t keep their planes well maintained, operating on time, making sure what luggage is checked gets to where it is supposed to all while providing some semblance of customer service, why are we as consumers letting the airlines treat us like this? Some airlines offer quality product and service and to those I will be loyal.
Wake up and smell the jet fuel – offer your passengers what they need and want and the cost won’t matter.
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