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More Airlines to Charge for Blankets & Pillows

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More Airlines to Charge for Blankets & Pillows

Posted by Tracy Stewart on Monday, August 11, 2008

Now that checked bag fees have quickly become the norm among cash-poor carriers, are pay-to-lay blankets and pillows bound to be the next big thing? It was only last week that JetBlue announced plans for $7 blankets and pillows aboard flights exceeding 2 hours, and now comes word that US Airways will soon follow. The price of their kit has yet to be determined, but - unless we're talking a 4 zillion thread count fancy-pants cotton - it's probably somewhere in the same $7 ballpark as JetBlue.

Personally, after a flight home last week where I encountered what was probably the saddest looking, hardest working, airplane blanket in the history of all airplane blanketry (no, really, it was bad), shelling out a few bucks for a fresh one doesn't sound so bad to me. Heck, I would have paid $7 just for a pair of salad tongs to remove this blanket from my floor space without having to use my actual human hands!

What about you? Would you be willing to part with $7 for a clean new blanket and pillow? Or do you prefer to cart along your own sleepytime stuff from home? Feel free to discuss below!

 

 

 

 


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plain and simple, wear a sweater.and pack very, very lite.and eat before you get on the plane.
by michael a matarazzo on Monday, August 18, 2008
For $7 it should be a brand new blanket and I should get to keep it. Then maybe in a pinch I would, although I usually bring my own blankie.
I miss hot meals though--bad as the food usually was. I'd pay extra for that.
by Anne on Thursday, August 14, 2008
I am currently in China. I have flown often on their airlines. They are clean, on time, and provide real service with a smile. Blankets AND Pillows, a real airline meal, and drinks are all part of the ticket price. And they have real service... did I mention that before? The US airlines - with the exception of Southwest - SUCK! The sooner they go out of business and let a professional crew of management take over the better. Oh, and I say this as a professional pilot with many years and thousands of hours experience. Air China, anytime - US Air, No Way!
by jack on Thursday, August 14, 2008
WE are bringing the oil companies down by not using as much gas and many have found out it was not as much of a hardship as they thought. In fact many have now found permanent ways to have fun wothout driving so they lost people permanently. Hey Airlines... keep getting greedy and we will fix you too. Fight back people. We ahve been too soft and see what is happening in this country?
by paul on Friday, August 15, 2008
Count me as another person who will be bringing his own airplane comfort-riding "kit." I bought an eye shield and a pillow from Brookstone two weeks ago, and I will be buying a blanket very soon.

I fly every week. It used to Newark-San Francisco and now Detroit-San Francisco. Continental's blankets are a lot cleaner than Northwest's. Almost every time I put a Northwest blanket over me I needed to make sure it was at least 6 inches below my chin or else my chin would itch. Yuck! The charging for blankets and pillows will generate more revenue, no doubt, but NOT FOR THE AIRLINES!
by Leon on Friday, August 15, 2008
I say bring your own blanket, pillow, drinks and snacks-why would anyone fork out that much money for that for pillow and blanket and probrably wants you to return them after your when you reach your destination-I remember flying (1st time) on a 12 hours flight on TWA to Hawaii, they were showing a movie, which you needed the headset to listen to it, they were charging $2 for them and when we landed in Hawaii they wanted them back! That was last time I did that.
by Robbin on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
AirTrans from Phoenix to Hawaii charges $10 for a package that includes a blow-up pillow, blanket, and eye shades.

REDICULOUS ! ! !
by Linda on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Never will I pay for a USED blanket or pillow... no, thanks. I will pack my own in my carryon and be much healthier and more comfortable.
by Claudia on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
IF they charged $1.00 to watch tv as they do for the head sets nobody would care and they would be way ahead
by mike on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I've made myself pretty unpleasant on some flights where the flights are freezing. I've also found that, like buildings, planes have hot spots and cold spots. Invariably, I seem to end up in a cold spot. My technique is just to keep complaining -- and wear lots of clothes.
by Diane Taylor on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I refuse to give them more of my money.
If their service were up to par, they might have a base for their extra charges. I will bring my own. More sanitary in any case
by Myriam on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
No I will bring my own blanket
by Patricia Alexander on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I have been carrying my own pillow for years. It is much more sanitary than the ones used on the planes. They don't clean them or provide new ones after the flights. They just put them back in the overheads. You can purchase a light fleece and carry that if you need a blanket. Remember when they use to put the paper towel on the head rests after each flight -- I think we should start bringing our own. Can you imagine someone with head lice getting off the plane before you and you sitting in that seat!? You never know what you might bring home with you from your trip when you use the blankets and pillows. I would rather use my own!
by Jeanne on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I would not pay for these not knowing who has used them. I would be just fine without.
by Nancy on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
i already bring my own blanket and pillow combo. who wants to use a used blanket/pillow anyways?
all this is doing is making us become more prepared travelers. i pay enough for airfare, they are not getting another red cent from me!
by kathy on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
We can thank the Republican politicians for deregulating the airlines industry and allowing these crooks to commit airway robbery. So much for competition keeping prices down!
by George on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Now I know why I took blanky from those going out of business airlines over the years. Now I can use them! Cheap Bas__tds. Hope the machine on the johns aren't more than 25cents...
by rude12 on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Does a pillow count as a carryon?? We are trying to travel LIGHT to Alaska later this year (from the Midwest) and I know for a fact I'm bringing my pillow.

We normally dress in layers so the blanket isn't an issue...though I might bring one for my child.

Thanks for the tip about the empty water bottle...are there a lot of places to fill them up (water fountains) past security??
by Jennifer on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I have not seen a pillow on an airplane in over a year nor blankets on the last several flights. I have brought my own food for a long time cause their's made me sick. My carry-on gets heavier and heavier. Sad situation for everybody.
by Linda on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
No I would not pay for a blanket or pillow. I would rather bring a jacket and my own pillow.
The next thing they will charge for is toilet tissue.
If they want to reduce costs they should think about reducing the CEO pay package and look at their union contracts. If Soutwest can still make money perhaps the other carriers CEO should look at how Soutwest makes money and duplicate the success.
by James on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Just bring a fleece jacket or wrap and bring an inflatable pillow on board. It will keep you nice and cozy.
We humans are very adaptable.
Peace,
Mary Ann
by mary ann baron on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Since they are all charging for luggage, I will wear three outfits of clothing on board anyway, so I will be warm!
by Valerie on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
of course not now people will bring that extra sweater or jacket , which weighs more than skinny blankets. therefore bigger gasoline bill due to the extra weigh. Airlines penny wise pound foolish
by russell on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cheap Cheap Cheap. That is how the airlines are seen. If they can not afford it then up the ticket price & be honest about it. Frankly, they are driving away customers with these childish tactics.
by David on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Rumor has it that it there will be a $2.00 charge to use the restroom. Correct change only!
by Charley Young on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Bring an inflatable pillow and layer your cloths. If its to hot -take one shirt off. Its less in your suitcase.
by bart on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I just dress warmer because I've heard they don't clean those pillows and blankets between customers anyway.
by Jeanne Walsh on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
This plan will backfire when people start to bring jackets and heavier blankets on the plane, adding to the overall weight (and gas consumption) of the aircraft!
by Mollie H on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I bring my own snacks, pillow and blanket all the time. I have for years as I am a big traveler. It irkes me that I can't bring water anymore and get thru the security points. They want you to spend your money in the airports!
by Rosie on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Only if they opened the windows!
by Roller on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Long before the gas crunch etc., I have been flying the "cheap flights" not so cheap any more. What I found was not really clean planes, etc., but hey if I only paid $79 for a flight down to Ft. Lauderdale from Boston (one way) who cares. I have been bringing in a plastic bag some clorox wipes to wipe down the tray table and the arm rest for years. My own pillow and blanket and if I don't have the blanket I have a jacket to put over me. The paper thin blanket they gave really doesn't offer much warmth and who knows who used them before. Food, forget it, bring it from home or a local restaurant, cheaper and better. It's bad enough $2 for a bottle of water. I do fly about a dozen times a year so I naturally am used to this and would think about it but your average person who only goes maybe once a year on vacation wouldn't think of these things. It's sad when I look at the price of the flights this coming winter, don't know if I'll be going as often anymore, perhaps will go for longer stretch of time less often.
by Paula on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
They might call it cheap but as long as the Airlines charge all these extras, I plan on doing what I can to not pay. Pack light,don't check bags.Bring pre pack foods. bring empty water bottles & fill them after security ,and add packaged flavored drink powder. Bring your own blankie & blow up pillow. Be cheap !! Think cheap !! and Travel Cheap !!!!!
by Vernon Lowd on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I don't even use the restroom on a plane, much less a pillow and blanket. We are a society of "softies" - tough out the 4 hr flight for pete's sake people!
by Jay on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Bring your own. These airlines are getting more and more ridiculous. They keep finding ways to make more money off us. When will they do something for us, like comfortable seats and better customer service.
by Lakiska on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Forwarned is forearmed ! I, too have always wondered how long those airline blankets spent in use before being sent (back) to a 3rd world relief effort. I tote along my own, (as well as food/empty bottle for water) & am much happier for it. If you can't find a deflatable pillow, get a small feather pillow. They compress very well, especially if you put them in a thin plastic bag. And yes, you can wash feather/down products.
by Penny on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I don't think so!!! Northwest Airlines discontinued having pillows at all at least 2 years ago---
by Paula on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'll be bringing my own pillow--I'll get one that fits the small of my back--because most flights don't have any pillows anyway. I already wear slacks and socks and carry a cashmere sweater for cold flights. Still, I think this kind of gouging by the airlines is sinking to a new low. Wait till they try to charge us for another carryon if we bring pillows and blankets! Mutiny, I hope.
by Kathleen on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
It would have to be a very cold day in hell!
by The Phantom of Omaha on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I flew as recently as last week on Anerican). I sat in my tiny , uncomfortavble seat for 3 and a half miserable hours, served tap water by an attendent who seemde a bit on the annoyed side and then wiated while everyone strugglred off teh plance with all the carry on luggabe.
Now they wat to carge for blankets and pillows. Perhaps it is time for the flying public to start assessing the airlines a misery surcharge for the cavelier way in which we are treated, namely so many cattle to herded on and off the planes.
Personally I try to ride the train when ever possible. IT may be slower but at least I am not treated like a sardine!
by Spencer on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Should have stocked up on those blankets all these years and just bring your own on the flt. and leave it there.
by emma on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'm happy to bring my own since I was always disgusted at how these were probably, like hotel bedspreads, NEVER CHANGED. I'm just looking for a good one that folds into it's own bag and has a blow up pillow with it ... I'll be set and if I forget, I get a NEW FRESH one of both for $7 (while they last).
I already take an empty water bottle and then, once on the plane, fill it with either THEIR bottled water or a drink they give me, take my own lunch or snack as well as reading material.
I know others are worried about pay toilets but I'm hoping it doesn't come to BYOC (bring your own chair). ::sigh::
by S.B. on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
As for me, I am forever boycotting every airline except for Southwest. As for the bulk of the other airlines, I'm expecting them to put a coin box/lock on the restroom doors inside the aircraft cabins.
by Joan Waters on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I always bring a thin, warm Indian shawl and an inflatable headrest--I'm now using the one from Rick Steves. The shawl takes up hardly any room in my 20 inch carryon and makes a versatile alternative to a sweater when I arrive at my destination. I don't check luggage because I feel the delay and anxiety just aren't worth it. I bring compact, versatile clothes that I can mix, match and hand wash, small presents, and a laptop. It's worth it to land with your serenity intact.

by Joelle Brink on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
No need to worry about needing a blanket. the last United Flights we were on had no Air. It was HOT!!!!!! and STUFFY!!!! All 4 flight had no air. MISERABLE!!!!
by Kim on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
We always bring our own as most of the other bloggers have said.
no way will we pay any extra for anything
by kay on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lets get smart about all these charges. Airlines are not making crazy profits if any profit at all so its up to the traveler to figure out ways to avoid these charge. BYOB now means you can save $7.00.
by Rickster on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My understanding is that you keep the pillow and blanket, and get a gift card from Bed, Bath & Beyond. You can always wear a jacket if you don't want to spend the money. Just be grateful there are still planes flying!
by Suz on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Not a chance that they will get a penny for a blanket/or pillow. I bring my own clean. That goes for snacks as well. Be prepared so that you don't have to get ripped off by the obsurd charges.
by Lizzy on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
It is truly amazing that we have sunk to such greediness. I will bring my own....
by Sandra Wooten on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Aloha,
the airlines will have to nickel and dime us, baggage, snacks, blankets, when you think about it the blankets and pillow's do at times look slightly used...since our flights are always over 2 hours we always bring things to keep us comfortable.
by kailua on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
All the airlines will get out of us is the ticket price. We bring our own snacks and sandwiches and an empty water bottle to fill up after security. US Air is now charging $2.00 for a soda, gimme a break! So I'll throw in a blanket or jacket but I'm not spending anything for one of their cheapie pieces of fabric.
by Vicki on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
it's a shame they have to make the people mad who use them for a living.. they would be better raising the fare and not saying anything.. how stupied on their part.. they can nickel and dime someone else.. I'd say "STICK IT"
by Jan on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Always carry my own ood and always dress warm to fly,can alwy as remove clothes. Next they will charge you for seat cushions and bring your own barf bags
by bobswillys on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
If they don't want to manage blankets and pillows, just discontinue making them available, they shouldn't make the customers angry by charging outrageous prices for cheap products. Heck, if they were charging for a horseshoe shaped (non-plastic) neck pillow and a fleece or chenile blanket I could possibly go for it, but not the products they currently offer...
by Cindy on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I will bring my own blanket or Jacket, customer service is a thing of the past which is so sad. But no, I will not pay $7.00
I also bring my own snacks and food if necessary.
by FRANCES BROWN on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I believe that you own them after you pay the $7. I was always a bit suspect of who had laid their little head on the pillow that I was using and what might be cohabitating on the blanket. So now it is sanitary and you can call it a souvenier.
by Scrapper on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
It is fine with me. I never understood how people could use those dirty germ infested and (who knows what else) pillows and blankets. I have always brought my own jacket and pillow even when traveling First or Business.
by Sue on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
So far the only airline that I have flown that hasn't changed is Southwest. They are a "no frills" airline but you know that up front.
by Ray Crane on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ok, so if I spring for the $7 JetBlue pillow and blanket, will they let me bring it onboard my NEXT flight with them as a second free carry-on bag????? (b/c my first will have no room as it must now hold ALL of my clothes, etc.), or must I buy a new pillow and blanket each time I fly JetBlue cause I can't carry on more than one bag?????
by J. Greene on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
No way Jose! I'll wear warm clothes or bring a little throw in my carry-on. We're being nickled and dimed to death. Flying used to be a pleasure - not any more.
by Mona Lougee on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
It's been my experience that on board blankets and pillows are few and far between anyway. I've been bringing my own for years. I bring my own blanket, food, entertainment, etc. All I want them to do is fly me safely to my destination and not lose my luggage! This new charge doesn't infuriate me like the charge for bags does.
by SD on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I bring my own always. It is getting a bit frustrating. What will they take away next.
by Lori on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
For years I've been packing something to eat, and a jacket or sweater. I think it's outrageous to charge for blankets and pillows! Can we charge them for dirty planes, late take-offs, etc.? Fair is fare. :)
by Lori on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Will bring my blanket.. actually i just added it to the Top 10 things to carry when I fly, since unfortunately, all sectors i travel on are over 2 hours.. haha
by Mitch on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'd rather bring my own blanky, it'll smell good and doesn't have that ugly weird texture that airline blankets have. I usually travel once or twice a year to Germany, so I have to have something to cover up, when you get tired you get cold!!!
by Marion on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
BYOB - a new meaning for this acrynom. Thanks, I'll bring my own blanket or use my jacket if needed.
by Carolyn on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'm with everyone else. I bought a blanket for my last flight and carry it with me now. Lightweight, packs up very small, it's clean, what's the downside?
by Lisa on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Next they'll be putting in pay toilets!!
by BJ on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I agree with the previous poster: bring your own. I bring my own food and jacket. I fail to see why any of us should pay for the airline's poor business management. If the fuel prices are that bad, raise ticket prices. I guess it's too much to expect honesty from these crooks.
by Sheila on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Well, this just means that I will now carry a lightweight sweater or hoodie with me. Mark my words... pretty soon they will charge $2.00 to let you put down your tray table! This is getting a bit crazy.
by Jan on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I agree, bring your own and bring an extra to sell to the guy next to you for a dollar less than the airlines both snacks and blankets.
by Mary on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I've always brought my own anyway because I get disgusted at the thought that these items may have been previously used.
by Lisa on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
So, back to bringing one's own. Buy stock in Buckys.
by Yvonne on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I have, and will continue, to bring my own blanket and pillow. I also bring snacks. I think it is ridiculous what the airlines are charging. You can spend $5 on a fleece blanket in a local store and it will be better quality.
by Samantha on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Of course they'll crank down the temp to increase the sales of their 50-cent pillow/blanket combo (made in China) that they're selling for $7. Capitalism at its best!
by Steve on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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