Time to start whining about travel woes again?
Just yesterday I vowed to quit whining about travel-related irritations — glad I put in the “at least momentarily” caveat. I didn’t even make it 24 hours, thanks to Spirit Airline’s announcement today that it plans to start charging $20 to $45 for carryon luggage that has to go in the overhead bin (they already charge for checked luggage).
I loved this comment to the article: “Can’t wait for the next great idea to come from the airlines - bundling services.
‘Save five dollars by buying airfare, one checked bag, one overhead bag and a ticket to go to the bathroom at one great low price.’” Oh wait, isn’t that what a ticket used to buy you, along with some semblance of a meal? Sigh.
OK, back to the no-whine zone.
Update: I just read this interview with Spirit’s CEO about the carry-on luggage fee. Nice to know that “The basis for this new fee was founded in improved customer service.”
April 6th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
When will this airline madness stop? The next charge will be a dollar slot on the seat arm to enable the seat to recline. Another to return it to it’s full and upright position.
We as an industry have to start asking ourselves “What will the airlines do next? What additional regulations will imposed on the backs of business travel that make it more and more difficult to do business” It is fully time for our industry to lead with a united voice issues that effect the way we do business.
April 7th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Airlines should have started charging for carry-ons (but only the big luggage-style ones) years ago to prevent people from abusing carry-on privileges. Charging for checked bags only made a bad problem worse by incentivizing people to drag suitcases on board and making the flight late.
But the airlines have really given themselves a black eye by charging for checked bags. How about charging a fair price for the flight without the add-on fees and providing excellent service? What a concept that would be! As for my “cousin” Roger’s comment above, the airlines should also give him extra complimentary legroom because he is tall.
April 7th, 2010 at 11:50 am
And today, the latest indignity: Ryanair is reintroducing the possibility of in-flight potty fees.
April 8th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Don’t ever stop whining, Sue. We count on you to alert us to problems and make us angry about them.
April 13th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Sigh of Relief, finally I can stop feeling the fool because I paid to check my bags when everyone else was gate checking for free.
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