And don’t forget to fill it with wads of green… you are going to need it if you want to quench your thirst, have a snack, or use the bathroom. I’m kidding about the last one, but at the rate that airlines are assessing additional fees for drinks, pretzels and luggage these days could paying to use an airplane’s lavatory really be that far off?
If you are taking to the skies this summer you might want to review the following fee changes recently implement by various carriers throughout the United States. Then pack your wallet accordingly.
US Airways
In addition to the $15 first checked bag fee the airline is instituting next month, the carrier also recently announced it would start charging $2 for a single can of soda, juice, a bottle of water or a cup of coffee, starting August 1, 2008. And that’s not all US Airways plans to boost its price for alcoholic beverages to $7 from $5. Shocked? Join the club. The carrier is the first major U.S. airline to implement such fees and passengers are far from pleased.
What’s more, the carrier is telling passengers that they will have to pay cash for beverages when the fee kicks in August 1st, but it’s working on getting in-flight credit card readers so they can pay with a card.
The airline is also mandating that frequent fliers pay a fee to redeem miles for award tickets — $25 to $50, depending on the destination, for travel booked on or after August 6, 2008.
Finally, US Airways also announced it plans to substantially cutback flights to Las Vegas beginning September 3, 2008. Those capacity cuts will lead to 1,700 positions being eliminated, including 300 pilot positions and 200 management jobs.
CONTINENTAL
The carrier is joining other domestic airlines by increasing fuel surcharges, which means base ticket prices will go up between $50-$150 depending on your destination.
The company also announced it will discontinue service to 15 U.S. and foreign airports by September 3, 2008 and reduce flights to many other cities from its Newark Liberty, Houston Bush, Cleveland and Guam airport hubs.
Continental’s cutbacks mean that there will be less space on already packed flights and you’ll be paying more for tickets now that space is at a premium. Continental also plans to eliminate 3,000 jobs.
Related Articles:
New Airline Fees–Keeping it Straight
More Bad News for Cash Strapped Flyers
Say Good Bye to Free Pretzels and Peanuts
No Such Thing As A Free Ride… Or Free Pretzels
Travel Insanity—Airline Charges for One Checked Bag
Airline Luggage Wars–Can It Get Any Worse?
More Luggage Restrictions… Are You Ready For This?