The inside scoop on American’s $15 first bag fee
Posted by
David on Saturday, June 21, 2008 to
Airline Industry News
So how's it going over at American Airlines in the post free checked bag era? Airfarewatchdog.com interviewed American spokesperson Tim Smith to get the inside scoop.
But first, some background. It was a time-honored tradition among many an experienced traveler -- never check luggage, even if you're over the carry on bag limit.
After all, crossing your fingers and heading for the gate usually paid off. Nine times out of ten, you'd get away with a bag (or two) that exceeded the airline’s carryon regulations. If you didn't, the worst was that you'd be forced to gate check your overage (mmm...forbidden overage). That is, if it didn't fit in the overhead compartment.
(Of course, if you’re old enough, you remember when there were no overhead bins on planes—just shallow and narrow racks to place your coat on, and passengers brought on board only a small airline-logo flight bag. But that’s another story.)
The benefit of gate checking bags can be substantial -- a decrease in the chance of loss or delay, delivery to the jet-way shortly after landing and no time-consuming waits in crowded claim areas.
Now passengers on American Airlines have yet another incentive to bend the rules -- the airline's new $15 one-way fee for the first checked bag.
Passengers, obviously, will need to beware American's newest employees: The Luggage Police.
Anticipating resistance to the surcharge, American has wisely laid on extra bodies. These employees are, essentially, enforcers. Their task will be to monitor strategic locations (security lines, for instance) to see that passengers aren't toting more than their share of Louis Vuitton. Customers with too many items or bags too large to bring on board, says the airline, "will be assisted in checking their luggage."
So many questions.
Such as, how will they "assist" passengers, exactly? (We can see it now -- "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me....")
American spokesman Tim Smith is confident that that those required to pay the fee won't have a prayer of getting around it.
Unless, of course, you manage to sneak your contraband roller board past "curbside check-in, ticket counter check-in, self-serve kiosk check-in, our people stationed before security, the TSA checkpoint itself....without anyone noticing," he says.
In which case, you'll most certainly be told at the gate that you will need to gate check your bag. And -- oh yes -- there will be a fee for that, and, yes, there are credit card machines at the gates, Smith tells Airfarewatchdog (we were wondering about that, and now we know).
Sure, maybe they run out of space in the cabin. Fine, then. For your properly-sized carryons that inadvertently end up flying cargo class, there will be no fee. Happy now?
LE DELUGE?
The airline says that the whole process has been relatively hassle free -- no rush for the overhead bins, no YouTube-worthy fights over space.
That could be largely due to the fact that there is a gigantic loophole in the policy. The vast majority of customers -- 75 to 80 percent, Smith says -- won't pay at all, ever, due to mileage status, fare type or itinerary (international travel is excluded).
However, as any frequent traveler knows, it's not the 80 percent you have to worry about -- it's the 20, or even 10 percent of people on a plane who have no idea what they are doing that have the potential to really gum up the works.
The airline says it is helping to smooth the process.
For example, its self-service check-in kiosks have been reprogrammed to accept payment for any checked bags; they have eliminated the $2 fee to check bags at the curb, while gate and cabin staff are ramping up announcements in the gate area and on the plane, reminding people that it's strictly wheel end first in the overhead compartment to fit bags more efficiently and to put as much as possible under the seat in front of them.
CHANGING NEEDS?
Luggage cops aside, it could be possible that airlines adding the fee (US Airways and United fire up the credit card machines August 9 and 18, respectively) could end up with the side benefit of needing fewer bodies to get planes on and off the ground. For example, if more passengers carry on, couldn't the airline do away with baggage and ground crew?
"We don't expect a reduction," says American's Smith. However, he admits that there could be tough times ahead, for reasons related to the announced capacity cuts and grounding of planes, not to mention the still-rising cost of fuel.
On the matter of a decrease in liability for lost or damaged luggage, Smith, pointing back to the fact that up to 80 percent of American passengers will not pay the fee, says he does not expect any thing to change, other than the fact that things will improve in that arena due to "better bag handling and practices."
THE FUTURE OF THE FEE
Believe it or not, this whole first-checked-bag business could have easily been a nonstarter. After announcing the policy on May 21, American was left to twiddle its thumbs until United and US Airways followed suit.
American CEO Gerard Arpey isn't concerned what people think. In fact, in a speech quoted in a June 19 article on TheStreet.com, Arpey's stance appears to be that it is high time the public starts thinking clearly about what it really costs to run an airline.
Arpey called fares "out of whack" with the actual cost of the flight, and stating that it would cost $250 to ship a typical bag from New York to Dallas overnight.
Something to think about when you ponder that that there are times when you can fly yourself to Dallas for less than that. Let alone your bag.
Editor's note:
Should airlines charge for carry on baggage rather than checked baggage? Sounds like a good idea to us. Share your comments with other blog readers, and vote in our poll.
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By Logan on
Monday, June 23, 2008 at 7:47 PM
I favor the fee for checked-in bags, IF there has to be a fee. The airlines then should do as American is doing, and make sure people aren't trying to sneak on bags that are too big for carry-on space.
Another way to enforce this is to charge more $$ if bags are checked at the gate.
By Candace on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Don't talk to me about a "recession" so long as people are continuing to pay for two things:
1. "Flavored water" @ Starbucks (16 oz for > $5) AND
2. Checked airline bags. The entire fee could be avoided by being practical and planning ahead.
The whole idea will get worked out based on whether the free market will tolerate this fee. If people keep paying it, apparently the idea will go over.
By Ross on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Why not just end the silliness altogether and charge us a reasonable fare for a ticket? I blame the airlines for this nickle and dime approach. Look, we're all smart enough to know that if, e.g., United charges $300 r/t to fly from DC to NY, all inclusive, and American only charges $250 for the same flight, but then nickle and dimes you to death, in most cases it'll all even out in the end. I miss the good old days of attentive service, genuine concern for the comfort of passengers, and plenty of pillows, blankets and free soft drinks. Yes, it would cost much more to provide those services today. Fine, I'll pay the price. US carriers have lowered the bar to accomodate the lowest paying, less frequent travelers. An unfortunate outcome for a once proud industry.
By Janet on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I am totally against charging for checked bags and/or carry-ons. Everyone traveling, especially for a week or more, has to take clothes and other essentials with them. The airlines have already taken away all the other amenities, which if fine, but shouldn't charge for necessities. They claim they're losing money but as is in all the corporate world the big shots of the company make WAY more salary than anyone needs and aren't about to give up anything for themselves so the average person can still afford to fly. As to Ross, who would rather pay higher airfares, then why is he using a web site like this to find cheaper fares????
By Deano on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 12:31 PM
So where do we find the exceptions (mileage status, type of ticket and/or itinerary) to the charge for extra bags which was referenced in the article?
I'm always looking to circumvent the guidelines.
By John on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I guess the question should now be, "can I expect my bags to all get to my destination with me?" since I'm now buying space on a plane for it.
Or will this be just another gimmick to get more money like When they started the " No refund Tickets" Which you and only you own and must use or lose, Or pay to change your schedule. I find it hard to believe that a Schedule change by a person in this age of computers cost $50 to $100 or more when an AIRLINE does it wholesale when they cancel a flight for whatever reason.
By Al on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Airlines should charge for carryon baggage
only. That would eliminate most of the time waiting to go thru security and speeding up the whole process from check in thru to boarding.
By Valerie Kelley on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:29 PM
I recently flew Delta r/t from Boston to Orlando. Flight down was wonderful - the crew were pleasant and professional. Coming home we ran into the carry-on Gestapo. There were 3 of us traveling. Each had one carry-on bag. I was arranging the 3rd bag carefully because it contained a fragile item. The flight attendant came over and crammed the bag making a nasty comment about carry-on limits. I said "we have 3 people, 3 bags. No problem. But one of the bags was fragile and that is why I was being careful". She got even snottier and said how is she supposed to know that. I smiled and said you don't. That's why I didn't ask you to arrange the bag. I was doing it myself. She then informed me that there is a 1 bag limit on carry-ons and that if I didn't like it she could arrange for me to take a different flight. No one reading this knows me so you will have to take my word that I was calm and quiet and polite and she definitely was not. I expect we will see more stressed out flight attendants as these rules keep changing and if they apply to some customers but not others.
By Vic Arpeggio on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Okay, so they're hiring more people to enforce their horrible penny-pinching? How the hell are they going to save money this way? I'm with a lot of people-- screw the airlines and their horribly greedy executives (start with gutting United altogether). Stop bailing them out.
By john adams on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:55 PM
The debate over being charged for checked baggage can go on forever. However, one must take the CEO Gerard Arpey to task for his blatant arrogance in stating that 'it's about time the public learned what it costs to run an airline".
The public, on the whole is well aware of how an airline should be run, ie Southwest Airlines. It's the insufferable ignorance and attitude displayed by Mr. Arpey which undelines the greatest fault in airline management.
The airlines level a fuel surcharge, this fee supposedly defrays the cost of the fuel. Why then is there a checked luggage fee if in fact, the payload of the aircraft has been listed, on a profit/loss scale, using the number of passengers plus the cost of fuel burned?
Has anyone noticed that these fuel surcharges are leveied, yet no explanation of how much fuel is left in the tanks at the end of a flight.
Granted, the travelling public isn't really interested in such detail, however, if one were to apply the same dogmatic ignorance as displayed by CEO Gerard Arpey toward the travelling public. It would make a rather interesting finding.
It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to sit down with a calculator and work out fuel useage versus weather conditions/payload etc for any passenger carrying aircraft. Then apply the findings to the surcharges being applied, and a rather interesting picture would emerge.
Some entrepreneur will materialise and utilise the fuel problem to make a healthy profit from air travel. Southwest is a good example.
By Elena on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:58 PM
EVERYONE is likely to have something to carry - purse, diaper bag, briefcase - and security will need to check it. So charging for those necessities seems over the top to me. Also, I'm a professional musician and there's no way I can check my violin under the plane and let those bag handlers load it (cringe! Ever WATCH those guys?) if I want it to arrive in one piece. But due to the instrument I have to have a suitcase, because there's no where else to put my clothes. So if I have to pay for a checked bag, so be it. But most people would be able to manage with their carry-on. I also agree with the idea of setting a fair price and stop the nickle and diming, but when there's a profit motive, I feel the companies will always try to squeeze out a little more.....
By Jennene on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Here's another idea: don't fly American! There, that solves everything.
By K on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Candace, get a grip. Just because some people pay for Starbuck's doesn't mean all of the country is in the same boat.
BAGGAGE should be included in a fare. Up the fare if necessary. What's next? Paying for the pilot?
By Amber on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Am I the only one that thinks it is crazy to assume that "everyone can manage or get by with a carry on"???? If you are taking a short 2-3 day trip, that may very well be feasible. However, for the average person taking a week long trip or vacation, or longer!, it is not at all feasible to pack only a carry on with enough clothes and toiletries for your stay. Let alone if you actually want to maintain a level of fashion during your trip or have several special events to attend that require particular attire. I think it is absurd to assume that the majority of travelers do not need one checked bag. I could see charging for a second checked bag, but I feel that for many travelers, one checked bag is a necessity!
By Nela on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Airlines should not charge for carry-on if it fits withing the guidelines, and I don't mind the "luggage Gestapo" enforcing this either! Domestic flights should allow one carry-on and then charge a nominal fee for checked baggage. International flights should allow for one carry-on and one checked bag at no charge, any additional checked baggage should be charged. Something else I'd like to know is how much space is actually alloted for luggage? What is the total weight/space available on a plane? If the airline said each seat gets 75 lbs of "free weight", I'd be more than happy to oblige, especially if I knew I'd be paying a fee for anything going over.
By Betsy on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Another issue that should be addressed is where each passenger stores their carryon. If all those folks in rows 20 and back put their bags in the first overhead they come to, do the folks in row 7 need to wait until everyone is off the plane to go back to row 30 to get their bag? Put your bag over your own head.
By Nick Bair on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 3:39 PM
I guess I must of missed those flights where people were considerate with their carry-ons. I agree with the fees but only based on the flight. If you are booking for an eight day trip, no charge. 1-2 days and you need to check your luggage, fee time. If they did that it might encourage to book roundtrip with that specific airline rather than using third party multi airlines.
By Dane on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:07 PM
I just flew a round trip San Antonio-Los Angeles, on American, unfortunately. In San Antonio they were still charging $2 a bag for curbside check in, but at LAX it appears that the fee was removed. I did tip the curbside guy $10 for 3 checked bags anyway. I didn't have any $1 bills.
I thought that luggage was included in the price of a ticket; which also includes plane fuel, pilot, cabin attendants, a seat, and toilet facility. I think charging travelers for bags is completely ridiculous. Carry-ons are going to be a joke from now on! From now on, I will only fly to visit my family when I really have to. Pretty sad, isn't it.
By Jack on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:38 PM
I think it is time that the airlines provide an itemized bill for their "Service." If they want to nickle and dime their customers to death rather than provide a single all-inclusive price, then let them. But a customer has a right to know ALL of the fees they are being charged and have the opportunity to challenge them if they believe or can prove they are being overcharged. The hospital can do it and the car repair shop can do it. Let's let the airlines give us good accountability. Then the flying public will have all the information to make an informed decision and KNOW the price of running a good airline as Mr. Arpey of American suggests. I'll bet you he won't disclose American's numbers though.
By pabloz on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Great posts here everyone....I will be anxious to see how much they actually save in fuel costs...since most will just carry on what used to be checked, saving them exactly nothing I would guess. Also...if you board towards the end and are "forced" to check the bag because overheads are full, will you get charged then? If your bag doesn't arrive at your destination (I know, this NEVER happens) do you get the fee refunded...better yet, do they pay you $15?
By Frank lucas on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Well, if the new baggage fees are truly necesssary based upon weight which directly affects fuel consumption, then logically it follows that the next surcharges will be for overweight people. Perhaps future airfare will be variable based upon the weight of the individual. After all, why should I pay as much for jet fuel as a grossly obese 300 lb man? Conversely, why should a little slip of a girl pay as much as me? A base fare will be continue to be charged at booking assuming some "average " weight maximum. Floor scales and optical sensors will be added to the walk through scanner, and your credit card will be charged automatically with your variable incremental weight surcharge, based on computerized models for ideal weight based on height, weight and sex.
Tme to hit the gym, and Happy flying, little brothers & sisters!!!
By Scott on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 5:17 PM
I am one of those business travelers and small business owners who flys enough to miserable back in the coach section but not enough to qualify for an "elite status" with automatic upgrades. If you observe many seasoned business travelers, they have learned to pack light and if the truth be known, often take everything they need for a two or three day business trip in a size wise bag that has room to spare. We frequently pay an outlandish ticket price because of last minute travel or travel plan alterations (which keeps ticket prices artifically low for everone else.) Because the airlines have such a miserable track record of "misdirecting" luggage, please afford us the luxury of traveling in comfortable clothes while we put our business attire in the bag in the overhead bin. We can not afford to have our luggage lost for several days only to show up to a business meeting meeting inappropriately dressed. We subsidize the airline system enough, please afford us the necessity of arriving with our luggage without having to pay more than we do.
By Fank on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Note that by charging for checked baggage cargo space in aircraft will be freed up and the airline will then carry and profit from carrying more commercial cargo.
By Blair on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 7:31 PM
There is a good reason I don't fly American, besides the fact that It is hardly ever competitive on any of the routes I use. I believe that the flying public will show the airlines what they think about the "line item" charges that are coming into the picture. We should be guaranteed that the flight will leave on time and that our luggage will arrive with us, or we should be refunded the money, just as you would return defective merchandise purchased from a store.
By Ruth on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 8:04 PM
They could lower the max weight for checked bags & have a graded system of payment for extra weight to encourage people to pack lighter, similar to what they have now. Carryon limits need to be more rigourously applied, I don't think I have EVER seen this done in years of flying dometically and internationally. Incorporate the cost of carrying these maximums for carryon & checked bags into the base price for the ticket - just be honest and tell us what it costs.
By phxquilt on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 8:23 PM
To the gent who requested a detailed bill, just print out an e-ticket receipt it's all right there. The refund for delayed luggage is not going to happen...ever and AA stated that when it was announced. For those that say folks will just carry on, that's the point you can't. Liquids, etc are required to be checked or be less than 3 oz forcing many folks to check their bag. As for being forced to gate check a bag because of full bins, the article clearly states there's no charge.
By John Calvin on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 8:26 PM
The cost to fly should be based on total weight. It's the fuel cost that increases the airlines cost. A simple solution is to charge each and every person for their weight and the weight of their luggage. Doesn't matter whether it's carry on or checked. Your luggage gets weighed and you get charged. It costs twice as much to fly a 100 pound person than it does to fly a 200 pound person. It also costs to fly the luggage. Weigh it all and charge accordingly....
By Kathy on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 8:45 PM
One of my pet peeves is the traveler who abuses the carry-on rules. I for one, always check except for my small personal item. Why? For one thing, I am a small person and cannot heft a big ole bag into the overhead bin without the possibility of maiming someone if I miss. (Haven't we all seen folks hit by those bags flying into and out of the overhead bins?) Secondly, it delays everyone through security and boarding and deplaning. For those of us who check one bag and carryon a personal item, we should not be penalized with a luggage fee. Just the abusers!
By Lara on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Charge the fees, I've been carrying on within the rules for years, even overseas. People need to learn to pack less.
By John McKinley on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I say an emphatic "no" to charges for carry on luggage. I travel, even to Europe, with an Eagle Creek Switchback 22 that is within most airlines carry on restrictions. The zip-off backpack goes under the seat in front and the wheeled portion goes in the overhead cabin. Not only is it liberating to carry so little, most of the time I don't have to wait at carousels for my luggage to arrive. Travel light and liberate yourself from checked baggage if possible!
By M BEEGLE on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Why don't the airlines just step up and increase the cost of the flight? Do airlines think the flying public are incapable of adding all the fees up to determine the true cost of a flight?
Not everyone that flies is looking for the "Walmart experience". Apparently the airlines really don't care about the customers experience which includes; long security lines, delayed and cancelled flights, small uncomfortable seats, lost luggage, and now being nickeled and dime for basic services.
I am looking for an airline that cares about my experience. I will gladly pay more to be treated like I am a valued customer.
By Kaimi on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 2:44 AM
What we really need is total weight - that's right - weigh the passenger and all bags, carryon or otherwise. Then charge accordingly. Lots of us small folks who don't want to carry bags on, but only have small suitcases to check, would definitely come out ahead. And maybe it would help the U.S. obesity epidemic!
By Edith Folta on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 6:40 AM
I work in cargo distribution, and it is my opinion that the whole reason behind this fee for checked luggage is to discourage checked luggage to make more room for commercial cargo on passenger flights. That's where the airlines are making their money these days, not on passenger service.
By Terry on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 7:48 AM
American Airlines CEO Gerald Arpey typifies the attitude of AA. American could do themselves a favor by hiring some "client friendly" executives. Fly Delta --- they seem to still care if you are on their airline. Thanks for listening.
By tammera on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Uuummm...I thought that's what paying for a ticket was all about...ya know, to fly...bags and all....all inclusive. So now 15 bucks for a bag, and adding more bodies to be the baggage Nazis-and now the airline has to pay for more wages....and charge consumers more to pay'em...and the cycle continues....My husband and I both work for a major airCARGO(you can guess-it's one of THE two-the PRETTY one!) and a VERY well managed business it is, as the whole world knows...case in point, the commercial airlines are managed sooo unbelievably and obviously poorly - perhaps the other Mr. Smith should purchase one of those com. airlines and put some of his great leaders in it and straighten out the whole commercial airline debacle…
By Joy on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
All I know is that I will be flying Southwest to all lf my destinations. This is getting out of control!
By jon doh on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 12:14 PM
i think the comment, "Arpey called fares "out of whack" with the actual cost of the flight, he stating that it would cost $250 to ship a typical bag from New York to Dallas overnight." is probably incorrect.
the "cost", that he refers to, of anything WE pay, is NOT what service companies charge. the COST is expense they incur.
COST plus PROFIT rates vary wildly. ship your next week's underwear this week and see the PRICE come down.
i am so tired of hearing chicken little running my life!!
By Samantha on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 1:04 PM
I think the first bag checked should be included in the cost of the ticket. Charge more for a second bag and gouge the inconsiderate persons that try to get on the plane with 5 carry-ons. I have watch people getting on planes with any and all of these listed (1) Gigantic Carry-ons way over the 45" linear limit, (2) a big personal item that goes in the over head compartment as well, (3) shopping bags from bored patrons in the airport (overhead), and (4) strollers.
Start enforcing 1 carry-on in the overhead, one under the seat and check everything else. Charge $50-100 to check excessive carry-on bags.
By John M on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 1:05 PM
What's next?..pay toilets,coin slots for overhead storage access,coin slots to recline your seat,refund if checked baggage does't make it to your destination,charge to cleanup aircraft after flight,..I bet there are many more suggestions out there!!!
By Anon on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 1:37 PM
It started with charging for drinks, then food, then snacks, then "landing fees" (or whatever they call them), now they want to charge me for a suitcase?
I will absolutely not fly American (or any other airline that charges me for a single checked bag.)
Between all the cutbacks, the nasty passengers (people, it is impolite - and nasty - to take your shoes off on a plane), the nasty flight attendants, the rude ticket agents (if you get to the counter) and the dissatisfied pilots and mechanics, I feel like I'm riding Greyhound.
Someone needs to make Gerard Arpey fly his own airline some time...economy...anonymously...I think he'd be in for a surprise.
Fly SWA..and if they can't get you where you're going...fly with someone who does but doesn't charge you for necessities.
By Jay Shepherd on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 2:18 PM
This shift to paying the fully allocated cost for traveling is nothing more than externalities. Look it up in your sophomore year econ text.
Now, if we could just get everyone to pay the fully loaded costs for that 99 cent hamburger they're eating at McDonald's.
Seriously. If you don't get the logic just described above, go to wikipedia or dust off your econ book and look up the word externality.
Have a nice flight. Oh, and that burger now'll cost you $9.25. Thank you and have a nice day.
By Mike on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Hurrah for Southwest!!!! Their fare system makes sense and they "manage" to make money unlike the legacy airlines.
The next crying you will hear from the legacies is for the government to re-regulate so that they will have some price guarantees for routes they fly and on which they lose money.
Did I say Hurrah for Southwest? Oh yeah, I guess I already said that.
By Matt on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 3:28 PM
CARRY-ONS: I suggest a sizing box that fits moderately sized carry-ons (briefcase, purse, tote, rolling bag up to 21") be used to referee the charge. Anything larger than the box gets charged at $2/pound or $20 minimum charge. Airlines may choose to exempt business class fares such fees. CHECKED BAGS: I think it's fair to charge all checked bags by the pound since weight directly affects labor and fuel costs. PASSENGER WEIGHT: Similar plan for passengers: base fare + $0.25 per pound. If it applied to award travel too it might help the airlines ease their frequent flier award liability by giving the base fare free but the passenger still pays for their weight surcharge. Perhaps the availability of non-revenue seats would improve if the airlines were recovering a portion of the cost through the weight surcharge and baggage fees. FREQ FLIER POINTS: If I was an airline I would only award FF miles to business class fares (or at least not award miles on rock bottom fares) or I would base the award on price of the ticket rather than miles or segments flown. There's no incentive to give miles to grandma flying to Las Vegas on a $49 fare if she refuses to buy a ticket when its at a normal fare.
By Adrienne on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 3:36 PM
The only good thing I have heard lately regarding baggage check fees is that American and US Air are exempting boxes of liquor brought back from the USVI. Post 9/11, you can no longer carry liquor onboard and the USVI government made the argument that the local economy would be shredded if people were paying $25 or $100 more because they were checking booze! I applaud American Airlines and US Air listening to reason.
By Frequent Flyer on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 3:58 PM
I find the prospect of travelling in today's world distasteful at best, while once upon a time it was very pleasurable. We travel often and nothing we experience surprises me in the least today. There are the rude stewardesses who smile broadly and warmly welcome my husband and express nothing or say nothing to me, the wife just behind him. The stewardesses have a lot to learn about how to welcome passengers - how do they know that I am not a female airline executive travelling?
Then there is the seating problem, you buy seats together and get to the airport to find that the seats you have purchased are now occupied by other people!
We NEVER, EVER check bags. I could travel 10 days with one carry on and a normal size handbag. We just pack simply and conservatively, recognizing that unless we are headed to Timbuktu, there are drug stores and clothing stores in other cities around the globe.
People being inserted into the inspection lines ahead of those passengers who have quietly awaited their turn is out of order too.
Its a pain in the tutu to fly today, but it sure beats driving for 3 days or paddling your canoe!
By Cherie on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:04 PM
CEO Gerard Arpey's blatant arrogance stating that 'it's about time the public learned what it costs to run an airline"....also needs to let the public know, that according to the Associated Press, reported on CBS News/Dallas Fortworth, April 18, 2008: The headlines were: American Airlines CEO Got $6.6 Million In 2007. Dallas (AP) Gerard Arpey, the chief executive of American Airlines, the nation's largest carrier, got a 21 percent increase to $6.6 million in compensation in 2007, the company's best year since 2000, according to information disclosed in a regulatory filing Friday.
Folks this is why we pay all the extra fees, so arrogant CEO's can still maintain their ridiculous bonuses. What's next, pay toilets?
By Stephanie on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:13 PM
I understand that the airlines are trying to find ways to make up for the increasing costs. However, charging for checked baggage is a penalty for families flying. I have a 6 month old son. There is no way I can get through an airport with him, the diaper bag, his car seat and all of our belongings. Some people can travel with just a carry on (I used to be one of them). It is impossible for me to physically carry everything. The terminals and lines are already crowded - I doubt anyone would want all of our things taking up more space.
By smsw on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Just fly Southwest. Done - and done!
By Cheryl U on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:45 PM
When I heard about the AA extra charge for check in baggage, I figured that not only did they need the money, but it would cut down on the weight of the plane....Wrong conclusion I guess. Last week my brother in law traveling back home from New York/Chicago and they were having to pull passengers OFF the flight in order to balance out the weight of the plane underneath. Not enough baggage was checked in! When the passengers put up a huge fuss (a lot were in a tour group), they settled for ADDING more weight to the baggage bin. What a cruel irony..."Live by the sword, die by the sword". Personally, I prefer SWA. No hassle (unless your check in bag is over 50 lbs.) and you have 2 check in bags per person. I'll take less frills and less hassle!
By jan on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:45 PM
There is just too much back and forth about these rediculous increased charges. We pay the cost charged for our flights. We have been stripped of all the amenities slowly but surely, water now to be included, that was initially a part of our fare. Why go American? Besides the discomforting, tight seats, the poor service, and now pompous attitude of the CEO, why go American? Why go United, the services are equally poor and the ride uncomfortable just like American. Why go US Air? There are other airlines that are still passenger caring. Let's start taking action!!
On one of my recent flights, I had to change over to United on the second leg to my final destination, Denver. When i gave the agent my ticket at the boarding gate, i was told to return to screening and get my ticket checked. I was actually rechecked before entering the airline. Reminder: I came off another flight. In all of my flying years, I have never had to go through security a second time when I was continuing a flight. I say stop flying on all these airlines that are not passenger friendly. This will keep the remaining airlines in business.
By Shirley Rosenberger on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:03 PM
To Al, who thinks they should do away with all checked bags, I hope some day you have a chance to sit next to a young mother whose child wants his bottle or a toddler who needs to have something to entertain her. Maybe the diabetic who needs some protein. Or maybe my Grandmother who's Depends is full.
By Arby on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:18 PM
What I really dislike is when flying with the wife & kids, we're buying 6 RT tickets and can't check a single bag for free.
That is truly a crime. When traveling with the kids, I'd rather check than schlep. The flip side is we can carry on 12 bags (but never do.)
On my normal business travel, I always carry on just a single bag. I used to do a bag & briefcase, but routed thru LHR so many times that I've permanently changed my ways.
By NANCY on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:36 PM
There should be NO FEES FOR BAGGAGE - period! Airlines have already raised their airfares/fees/surcharges for EVERYTHING & do nothing to improve either their service or business practices. Why? Because they CAN & keep right on DELIBERATELY "going bankrupt" regularly -- as long as taxpayers are forced to keep financing them. And as long as no one ever is allowed to force airlines to justify their constant increases. If any of us ran our own business as badly as airlines do, do you think IRS or any part of our government would cut US such a break -- multiple times???
P.S. WHY is our email REQUIRED here?
By Pam on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:53 PM
In the future and when possible, I am going back to car travel. The gas costs can't exceed what it costs to fly with the idiots that are now in charge and also the people who use them. The costs in our area are excessive due to no competition, the airline employees have become gestapo gatekeepers and the people flying on the planes have turned into idiots. I and my family members are really going to give driving a shot when the distance is reasonable and the airlines will not get my business.
By scott on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Yes, charge for bringing a bag on the plane. As far as I am concerned carry on bags should actually be banned. They are frequently too big and are dangerous at best. I know a lady who had her shoulder broken when an over sized bag fell out of the luggage bin on her shoulder. Also, I have been asked many times to lift a bag up for another passenger who had a bag that was so heavy they could not get it into the overhead storage area. Boarding and exiting the plane would go much faster if all those carry on bags would go away. Lastly I am tired of getting hit by those over sized packs as people get on and off the plane.
By Vicki on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I can pack for carry-on - that's no problem. The problem is I can't get the liquids I need in a one quart bag to put into my carry-on. I have switched my liquids to travel sizes and bought empty 3 oz or less bottles. When you travel to a large city, a Wal-mart or CVS is not always within walking distance from downtown hotels to buy the liquids I need when I get to my destination. Let's loosen up one the one quart bag rule for liquids.
By Jim on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 2:52 PM
I guess I'll have to stop flying because a CPAP machine cannot be checked and doesn't qualify as medical equipment because it isn't needed in flight. Up until now it could be removed from a rollon that is an inch or too too big for a small plane while gate checking the rollon with just a day's worth of clothes in it in case checked bag gets lost. Also- where do we put the food necessary to carry for those of us on special diets (diabetic etc)?
By Jim on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 2:52 PM
I guess I'll have to stop flying because a CPAP machine cannot be checked and doesn't qualify as medical equipment because it isn't needed in flight. Up until now it could be removed from a rollon that is an inch or too too big for a small plane while gate checking the rollon with just a day's worth of clothes in it in case checked bag gets lost. Also- where do we put the food necessary to carry for those of us on special diets (diabetic etc)?
By Suzanne on
Friday, June 27, 2008 at 7:21 PM
I agree with the lady who cannot heft a heavy bag into the overhead. I'm older and cannot either, so I check when I can. Also, I recently visited another state and needed walking shoes and of course, another shoe, was staying for 10 days, and needed changes of clothes. I checked 2 bags this time, but won't in the future. My solution? Wear the same clothes over and over or buy new ones while I'm there. I've never lost a bag on the airline, but you bet I'll be there to complain if I pay for it and it doesn't arrive!!!!!
By Trish on
Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 12:48 AM
No to additional checked or carryon luggage fees.
Yes to Total weight of body and personal belongings per person average included in ticket price such as 350 LBS incl/ .50 per LB over. Need 2 seats for fit? No extra cost since you're likely paying extra weight charges and the complaint is that fuel consumption is weight-based.
I do not believe in docking someone who takes 2 small bags versus one large bag, let alone those who are physically unable to deal with one heavier bag or lugging stuff around if they don't choose to or can't. Nor do I believe in discrimination based on size or special situation. Business folks need what they need for meetings, moms need what they need for the kids, those with medical needs must have their equipment and the everyday traveler deserves food, drink and a little comfort in the confines of a capsule at 30,000 feet or stuck on the runway.
Yes, I have traveled much, including internationally; packed the house and breezed by with one carryon. BUT....
I argue for a bit more leniency with carry-on in addition to the standard 1 carryon + 1 purse or briefcase + coat + lunch for:
1. Moms-Baby stuff, kid snacks and entertainment
2. Food & Drinks-For now, for later, to share
3. Business Needs-Computer Case
4. Medical Needs-Equipment
5. Valuables- Sport and hobby specific,etc
6. Electronic Equipment- Photographic, etc
I, for one, have had no luggage upon arrival many times. Carryon is a must for me. My computer and travel printer go everywhere as do camera and camcorder (tiny). Since I've been stranded on a runway for several hours and had no food or drink, several meals' worth now goes on the plane with me. Either it's freezing or broiling, so layers just for the plane are necessary, including a heavy jacket.
Now this can end up being:
Backpack Purse
Briefcase on wheels
21" Carryon
Foldable Bag for jacket, layers, food, book
On the plane, the carryon goes up, briefcase and purse under the seat and bag stuff draped on my lap and stored in my purse.
I may be "one of those" , but when you're stuck with me on the runway, you don't hesitate to ask me to share my goodies; plus I can stay entertained and not get grumpy.
I fly cheap, but agree that airlines should include customer care costs in the ticket price and stop this nickel and dime mentality. If they weren't making a profit, they wouldn't offer the deals; they're not that stupid.
As to the whole bankruptcy issue: once again the top fatcats stay fat and keep their huge compensation packages while the little folks lose out. Those big salaries, benefits and perks are all tax deductible and off the top, which is mainly why these businesses are going bankrupt. So, to Mr. Smith and his buddies, how about putting 75% of your compensation package back into "your" airline so that we don't have to be nickel and dimed to death. No more excuses. Wow! The airlines really can be solvent.
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