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:
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.
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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