More Airline Fees: Pillows, Blankets, Water and More

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 … Continue reading

Luggage Fees Increase—AGAIN!

You’ve got to be kidding! Then again, are any of us really shocked to learn that a major airline has increased luggage fees yet again? About 12 hours ago Delta Air Lines, the nation’s third-largest carrier, announced it plans to double its fee for checking a second bag to $50 each way on a domestic flight as a way to… you guessed it… offset the high cost of fuel. Reps for the Atlanta-based carrier said that the changes will apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after Thursday for travel on or after August 5, 2008. So here’s … Continue reading

More Bad News for Cash Strapped Flyers

Well, I guess this means I have to stop picking on American Airlines. On Thursday United Airlines announced it plans to join American and charge passengers $15 for a first checked bag. American set the precedent for the charge and now it appears baggage fees are becoming an unavoidable part of U.S. air travel. First, it was the $25 charge for checking a second bag now this $15 fee for the first bag… before you know it U.S. carriers will be charging travelers for each carry-on they lug on board planes. Blame it on the record fuel prices they say. … Continue reading

Airline Luggage Wars—-Can It Get Any Worse?

I’ve had my share of luggage horror stories (many of which I’ve shared on this site), but now I am bracing for what could prove to be a cataclysmic move by the airline industry in regards to checked bags. As if the price of airfare wasn’t enough to force you to vacation in your own backyard airlines are about to take another shot at your wallet via your luggage. Recently, United Airlines announced that it would be making a major (and alarming) change in its checked baggage policy. Instead of being able to check in two bags for free, as … Continue reading