New Airline Carry On Fees

[adc7236]

There is now a smaller "minor league" airline charging for carry on luggage that needs to go in the overhead bin space. There is still no charge if it fits under your seat. The airline is lowering their base ticket prices to compensate for the carry on fee as it is directed at those who want to bring on excess.

On the surface, I applaud this fee as someone who fly's frequently and gets sick and tired of everyone bringing everything but the kitchen sink with them as carry ons. It takes forever to load and unload the plane. If you are not in the first half of people loading, you will not get any overhead bin space. Yes, this effects the frequent business travelers who like to save time by not checking luggage, however in my opinion, the abuse began in the first place with this class of flyer. If this hits a nerve with some, please tell me how my thinking is wrong.

Now, with that being said.....I know the airlines did not do themselves any favors and increased/exasperated the problem when they began charging for regular baggage. I also recognize that the larger airlines will jump on this if it proves successful at the lower level, and could lead to "fee abuse" at some point. I was never a fan of the baggage fees when they began charging them, but I do like the idea of controlling the carry on baggage abuse. It would be nice if they could control it without hitting the pocket book, but money out of pocket seems to be the only thing people will pay attention to.

 

[T_O_Bull]

:yeah

 

[rawhide]

One carry on bag. that's it. 1; not two or three that all fit either under the seat or overhead. JUST 1.

more than 1 cough up the cash.

GBR

 

[Chucktown Husker]

I guess I'll just go back to flying lessons and buy my own damn plane. If you think about it, why don't the other carriers try to model what Southwest does. They make money, their employees love what they do, they fly one type of aircraft to save money on maintenance etc., they generally don't have customer service issues, the fares are competitive, and you get charged exactly $0 for checked luggate. I wish they serviced SC, cause that would be awesome.

 

[adc7236]

I guess I'll just go back to flying lessons and buy my own damn plane. If you think about it, why don't the other carriers try to model what Southwest does. They make money, their employees love what they do, they fly one type of aircraft to save money on maintenance etc., they generally don't have customer service issues, the fares are competitive, and you get charged exactly $0 for checked luggate. I wish they serviced SC, cause that would be awesome.

Southwest airlines does seem to have the airline model of success down. I know they were extremely successful during the high price fuel days a few years back because they had some good fuel hedges with the price locked in at lower prices. However, the reason I think the airlines are having trouble turning a decent profit is a variety of things to include the unions (I am not saying unions are bad), bad management, bloat etc. Management does not seem to have any personal investment in the business they run. Its just a cash cow to them, they will drain it and move on. Remember some years back when United declared bankruptcy, laid off thousands of employees, restructured debt etc?.....and then management rewarded themselves with millions in bonuses. Like I said, they get paid regardless of how the company does.

 

[rawhide]

:yeah an unfortunate corporate mindset. Don't get me wrong; I'm not against a business making money but at what cost.

GBR

 

[Chucktown Husker]

I guess I'll just go back to flying lessons and buy my own damn plane. If you think about it, why don't the other carriers try to model what Southwest does. They make money, their employees love what they do, they fly one type of aircraft to save money on maintenance etc., they generally don't have customer service issues, the fares are competitive, and you get charged exactly $0 for checked luggate. I wish they serviced SC, cause that would be awesome.

Southwest airlines does seem to have the airline model of success down. I know they were extremely successful during the high price fuel days a few years back because they had some good fuel hedges with the price locked in at lower prices. However, the reason I think the airlines are having trouble turning a decent profit is a variety of things to include the unions (I am not saying unions are bad), bad management, bloat etc. Management does not seem to have any personal investment in the business they run. Its just a cash cow to them, they will drain it and move on. Remember some years back when United declared bankruptcy, laid off thousands of employees, restructured debt etc?.....and then management rewarded themselves with millions in bonuses. Like I said, they get paid regardless of how the company does.

No joke. If I remember correctly they went under chapter 11 protection twice. It's almost like the government sees the old airline companies like the banks....to big to fail. What a bunch of crap. I say let 'em fail and bring in someone who can be cheaper and more efficient. Competition breeds lower prices and better opportunities for the consumer.

 

[dubsker]

f#*k airlines and their piece of sh#t employees that hate their jobs. Maybe if customer service wasn't so f'ing awful more people would fly and they might actually turn a profit for once this century.