Yeah, there’s a fee for that

July 19th, 2010

I love to fly. I know I’m strange, but I love it. I love the whole experience. I would rather fly than drive anywhere.

However, the airlines are doing their dead-level best to discourage me and others from flying. I’m not talking about the extra security and other hoops of BS the TSA is having us jump through, but the things the airlines are doing to us.

The above parody from MadTV sums it up perfectly. More and more, that all-inclusive airline ticket has become part of an a-la-carte plane trip. Several years ago, airlines started charging travelers for the audacity of wanting to carry clothing and other necessities with them. Luggage fees became standard. Complimentary peanuts or other snacks have also gone by the wayside, but you can purchase a snack for about $5.00 each. The last time I flew, the drinks were still part of the fare, but that was last summer.

If you want a blanket or a pillow, be prepared to shell out some bucks. Now, according to this article from the San Francisco Chronicle,Virgin Atlantic began charging $80 extra if you want an aisle seat. According to the article, they say it is a standard industry practice, but this is the first I’ve heard of it.

So, how long will it be before airlines start offering standing room like on a commuter train or bus, but if you want a seat at all, you must pay extra?

Airlines are nickel and diming us to death and wonder why fewer people are flying. I think most of us understood when fuel prices were outrageous that airlines charged extra, but when fuel prices started coming back down, the luggage fees have not gone away.

I still love to fly, but I have to look at the economy of driving when we take vacation this summer.

*** UPDATE – United has plans to charge a fee if you want to board a few minutes before the other passengers… Sheesh!