What’s next, having to pay to use the toilet mid-flight?
Another day, another announcement from airlines saying that they simply can’t stay in business unless they find another way to earn some extra cash.
The latest brilliant money making idea: JetBlue’s plan to charge passengers $7 for a pillow and blanket set.
It’s no joke. But before you cancel your reservations you should know that the carrier is quick to point out that you are free to bring along your own pillows and blankets (though doing so will mean you will be able to carry on little else).
Frankly, I am completely disgusted by the trend of nickel–and-diming passengers to death, but I find it even more offensive that JetBlue execs are trying to put a green spin on the move to charge for a single blanket and pillow. According to the company, the “comfort set” is considered environmentally friendly in that it will save millions of paper-covered pillows from ending up in dumpsters each year.
If that doesn’t get you, perhaps this “courtesy” by JetBlue will. The carrier is reportedly handing out $5 coupons good at Bed Bath & Beyond stores to all passengers so they can buy their own pillow and blanket for their next flight.
How generous.
Almost as generous as US Airways. The airline recently terminated its free drink service, but is still allowing passengers to purchase soda, fruit juice, coffee, and bottled water, for $2 each.
No word on how much the airline is charging for a cup of contaminated tap water.
Similar to JetBlue, US Airways claims it just had to start charging passengers for items such as water and pillows because rapidly rising fuel prices are killing them. (And I guess misery loves company so they are passing the costs down to the plebs in coach.)
Oh and by the way, if you were planning to drown your sorrows (brought on by the outrageous airline fees), you’ll need to bring along some extra cash. Execs at US Airways say the price of alcoholic drinks will be going up from $5 to $7.
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