Seems like we have been here before. And in the not-so-distant past! Our visits have become more frequent on this all to familiar topic. Airline Baggage Fees. (cue scary, dread-filled music)
And it’s sad. So very sad.
Last week, US Airways announced that it is bumping up it’s baggage fees yet again.
You’ll now pay another $5 for your first and second checked bag. So that’s $20 for the first bag and a whopping $30 for checking a second. But those are the discounted fees for checking bags on-line.
If you forgo checking in on-line, your punishment will be an additional $5 fee at the airport, bringing the total fees to $25 and $35, respectively.
And International travelers- yeah you’re getting hit with $50 for a second bag on any flights to Europe! (American Airlines and Delta have already socked passengers with this fee)
The new bag fees take effect for flights on or after October 7, 2009.
And the best part- these fees only apply to those in steerage. Travelers in first class or members of Silver, Gold, Platinum or Chairman’s Preferred programs are exempt.
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And speaking of annoying things that airlines are doing of late, according to Budget Travel, random flight attendants have been strictly enforcing an FAA rule that may or may not exist. The jury is still out.
The issue : putting personal items in your seatback pocket on flights.
Uh, hu-lo! I’m guilty as charged!
My seatpocket holds my book, headphones, earplugs, and teensy toiletry bag with hand cream, lip balm and water mist. Isn’t that what’s it is there for?
I don’t really understand what the problem is- and why this would need to be an enforceable rule. I mean, I have never seen someone put a freakin’ toaster in there! Have you?
And if the plane somehow flips and starts spinning out of control in a downward spiral- I think getting hit in the head with my lip balm will be the least of my problems!
Ah, just another bone-headed way the airlines can piss off travelers to the point where we don’t want to buy a ticket on your stinking airplane anymore.
Guess what. It’s working!