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dettu
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« on: May 21, 2008, 05:51:25 pm » |
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I suppose I'm not permitted to mention which one, but a major US air carrier whose name begins with A is now charging $15 for your first checked bag and $25 for each subsequent bag. That includes sports equipment like skis, and also any "mobility equipment" that they decide isn't medically necessary. It was in my local paper this afternoon and on the airline's website, cleverly hidden in their News section.
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JessW
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« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2008, 07:48:21 pm » |
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It is a long-standing and recognised way of getting more profit! they are all at it, as they do not like it when their profit-margin is cut. Heaven forbid that any of this gets passed down to the people paying the money (in better service or reduced ticket price) or their own employees - the management would have to do without their quadruple level twice annual bonus package! (note the sarcasm, please!).
That's life, snd we all get done by it!
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misslynn
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« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2008, 06:36:12 am » |
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Here's what will happen:
The only people who will check their bags are those who don't travel frequently and don't realize there will be an extra charge. Most people will have carry-on luggage only, which means security check lines will take even longer to go through.
Then once you get on the plane, the overhead compartments will only fit luggage for about 75% of the passengers (if that many). What then do they do with the rest? Check the bags for no charge or charge each individually? It will take even longer to load the plane as the travelers search for ways to fit their luggage in the overhead compartments thus resulting in even more flight delays.
All in time for the summer travel rush.
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dettu
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« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2008, 09:25:02 pm » |
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According to a news story on a reputable business magazine's website: "Spokesman [Mr. Not Named Here] said passengers whose carry-on must be checked because the overhead bins are full won't be charged. He said only about half of U.S. travelers check at least one bag."
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viviennenoyle
Newbie
Posts: 43
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« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2008, 02:24:38 pm » |
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This is now common practice in the UK amongst "no frills" airlines - there is one airline which has now started charging £8 per item of hold baggage, per flight, so a return flight actually costs £16 for your baggage. Also, if you check in at the airport, they charge you £4 per flight. The flight I was looking at was free flight and £15 taxes (that's for the return flight) - these baggage and check in charges would have cost more than the actual flight!
I wouldn't mind, as I've always preferred to take carry on (they can't lose it for you if you keep it with you!), but it's a nuisance now you are only allowed tiny amounts of toiletries.
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countrigal
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« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2008, 10:39:37 pm » |
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My concern is the families that are traveling... not feasible to carry-on everything there, so they get stuck paying the additional fees for any flights anywhere. Yuck! Makes me glad I drive, even at the cost of gas right now.
CountriGal
Peer Moderator
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itsme_calista
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« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2008, 11:14:08 am » |
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I agree countrigal. We're hoping to come back to Vegas next year with my daughter who missed out last year. There will be 7 of us all in all! Luggage costs alone are going to cost a bomb and the flights aren't exactly cheap as it is! We might have to postpone a year  we stayed in a budget hotel last year, and whilst it was perfectly okay for us, we had agreed to stay in one of the fancier strip hotels next time! With that extra cost, the cost of the luggage, taxes and the general higher cost of the flight I think now it's going to add a good couple of thousand onto the total cost |
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