Monday, January 23, 2006

Getting nickeled and dimed

An article on Smarter Travel (one of my favoritest travel websites) gives some predictions about how air travel will be changing in the future and I enjoyed the listing of actual in-flight changes/charges that may be on their way.

  • You pay for a meal, brownbag, or you don't eat.
  • Many have added their own charge for curbside baggage check-in—in addition to the tip most travelers have given skycaps.
  • Many lines have charged for inflight movies and alcoholic beverages for some time.
  • Most already charge extra for phone or airport-counter reservations and ticketing.
  • It's a foregone conclusion that travelers will pay for the onboard wireless Internet service that's on almost every traveler's wish list.
  • American Eagle is already experimenting with a charge for the usually-free soft drinks, coffee, or tea.
  • Several low-fare lines overseas are charging for each piece of checked baggage—no more "free" baggage allowance.
  • Air Canada charges extra for a "comfort" package of a blanket plus an inflatable pillow.
  • Some European charter lines already charge extra for the extra-legroom exit-row and bulkhead seat assignments; some charge extra for any advanced seat assignment at all.
  • Some writers have speculated that airlines might soon charge extra for the preferred aisle and window seats.

Your thoughts/comments?

2 Comments:

At January 23, 2006 10:46 PM, Blogger Christina said...

Inter-Africa flights are a million times better than inter-state flights in the US...mildly ironic? Regardless of the length of the flight, you get a free meal and all the liquor you can consume. Sad that 3rd world countries who don't get ANYTHING about consumer service, understand the danger of angry passengers who can't get a blanket or a bloody mary mid flight.

 
At January 24, 2006 8:39 AM, Blogger Alicia said...

I would have no problem paying for food or beverage on a flight when in coach. I've said many times the free 4 oz. beverage I get has no value to me. I would be bitter paying for things I think should be included in the price of an airline ticket - like checking baggage - or minor luxuries I think I have earned by being a frequent flyer - like exit row/bulkhead seating assignments.

 

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