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Five airline fees you haven't thought about (but they have!)
Over the past two years, the fees that airlines have figured out have been seemingly endless. Baggage and cancellations are just the tip of the iceberg. Now, passengers are stuck with a healthy dose of fee fatigue, but the good news is that there doesn't seem to be anything left for which to charge – except maybe access to the flotation devices in the event of an emergency.Well, don't get too comfortable.
So, the airlines want more of your money. How are they going to get it? Well, here are five ideas for them:
1. Pay to talk to someone: do you need to talk to a ticket agent, or would you merely prefer to do so? Don't worry; this perk option isn't going away. You will have to pay for it, though, according to Jay Sorensen of IdeaWorks, a company involved in tracking consumer trends. The good news is that the only people in line will be shelling out cash for the privilege, so you won't have to wait too long.
Alternative: if you want to talk to someone that badly, and are willing to pay for it, try online dating.
2. Pay to tote your own bags: are you ready to pay to avoid paying check-in fees? Spirit is already doing it, and most airlines in the United States have said they aren't going to head in that direction. But, American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, according to MSN Money, "essentially have," calling it "priority boarding or choice seating." If you get a better seat you have a spot for your bags on a crowded flight. Otherwise, you're stuck hoping for the best.
Alternative: make friends with a frequent flier.
3. Pay to take your bags overseas: we're getting used to paying for checking the first bag on domestic flights, but we've been spared the humiliation when traveling internationally. That could change, though, especially since there's money to be made.
Alternative: there's a Paris in Illinois, too.
4. Pay to deal with your kids: so far, an infant on your lap has gotten a free ride, but this discomfort could cost you. George Hobica, of AirfareWatchdog, thinks this one could be on the list for 2011. "If the government doesn't act to ban lap children," he told MSN Money, "we might see the airlines make a move."
Alternative: birth control.
5. Pay to be like everything else: back when I had platinum status on one airline and gold on another (in the same year), I came to appreciate the benefits – and this was even before the ancillary fee trend took hold. Now, status is worth even more, because it alleviates some of this fee pressure. The MSN Money article mentions that the hit could be targeted at non-elite loyalty program members, but I wouldn't be shocked to see even the airlines' best customers lose some of the perks someday.
Alternative: buy on price instead of loyalty.
[photo by compujeramy via Flickr]
Alternative: if you want to talk to someone that badly, and are willing to pay for it, try online dating.
2. Pay to tote your own bags: are you ready to pay to avoid paying check-in fees? Spirit is already doing it, and most airlines in the United States have said they aren't going to head in that direction. But, American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, according to MSN Money, "essentially have," calling it "priority boarding or choice seating." If you get a better seat you have a spot for your bags on a crowded flight. Otherwise, you're stuck hoping for the best.
Alternative: make friends with a frequent flier.
3. Pay to take your bags overseas: we're getting used to paying for checking the first bag on domestic flights, but we've been spared the humiliation when traveling internationally. That could change, though, especially since there's money to be made.
Alternative: there's a Paris in Illinois, too.
4. Pay to deal with your kids: so far, an infant on your lap has gotten a free ride, but this discomfort could cost you. George Hobica, of AirfareWatchdog, thinks this one could be on the list for 2011. "If the government doesn't act to ban lap children," he told MSN Money, "we might see the airlines make a move."
Alternative: birth control.
5. Pay to be like everything else: back when I had platinum status on one airline and gold on another (in the same year), I came to appreciate the benefits – and this was even before the ancillary fee trend took hold. Now, status is worth even more, because it alleviates some of this fee pressure. The MSN Money article mentions that the hit could be targeted at non-elite loyalty program members, but I wouldn't be shocked to see even the airlines' best customers lose some of the perks someday.
Alternative: buy on price instead of loyalty.
[photo by compujeramy via Flickr]
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Chris G Jan 10th 2011 9:03AM
Number 5 touches on something I tell all my clients. Status on almost all airlines starts at only 25,000 miles annually. Being based on the east coast I realize this is much easier than someone in middle america, but if you look for deals and are somewhat flexible you can add a trip or two or even sometimes only adding a segment to your normal flight plans and it will help you make this number.
Once you have it, as you reported, life is a lot easier in your air needs.
TroyG Jan 11th 2011 3:26AM
#1 - already done in Australia with Tiger Airways. You have to pay extra to check-in at the airport (vs. doing online check-in at home).
#3 - already done by AirAsia X out of Kuala Lumpur to Australia, the UK, and France. All checked bags have a fee (though it's a very modest fee).
Although both of these are budget airlines, it's already out there. (And for the record, even though I'm a frequent business class flying on Star Alliance, I love Air Asia and Air Asia X.)
chris Jan 11th 2011 6:56AM
I bought my 4 year old grand daughter a pretty pink Princess two wheeler for Christmas. She wanted to take it home from Florida to NY with her. I figured it would be as simple as checking it as checked luggage and paying the 25 bucks, right? Wrong! Delta wanted $200 to check the bike. You are talking about something that weighs all of 12 pounds and stands 18 inches high. (They get the same amount of money for an adults professional racing bike, they said "a bike is a bike"!) It was a lot cheeper to give my daughter another $90 and tell her to buy ANOTHER Princess bike when they get home. Now we have TWO Princess bikes and Delta is out 25 bucks.
S Garey Jan 11th 2011 7:26AM
I'm so tired of this B.S. from the airlines. Just charge a fee for a ticket and SHUT UP!
Neil Freuen Jan 11th 2011 9:30AM
One ticket fee forces people who do not use a service to pay for those who do. Why should you, who are flying with no bags, pay for my four? Why should I, who bought my ticket online and checked in from home, pay a check in person at the airport.
What people don't realize is that breaking these fees up actually saves people money by holding those who use a service responsible for paying for that service.
Tim Jan 11th 2011 10:26AM
Neil - what you dont understand is that these airlines are greedy. It wouldnt be a big deal if they lowered airfares and then charged people extra for these services. However, they will not lower the airfares and then just charge people extra that use these services. They will keep ticket prices where they are and then add these fees. What happened to the extra fees for high fuel costs when the price of oil went down?? They didn't remove the fuel surcharge fees, they kept airfares where they were!
L. B. WINDLEY Jan 11th 2011 7:31AM
Well, until the “transporter”, affordable and available rail, or some other meals of conveyance we will just have to put up with this. I predict fewer and fewer elective flights in my future and in the futures of others who choose not to participate in the treatment of the “golden goose”. Many businesses are already cutting back on travel and doing Virtual Meetings, phone calls, and other means of contact with clients. Such is life and the change that will always be a part of our lives.
Robert Jan 11th 2011 7:57AM
Just five more reasons why noone flys anymore. It has been ten years since I have used the airlines for travel and each time I read about all the airlines and airport nightmares it makes me wonder why the last few people are still flying. I speak for ALL of us when I say......F**K the airlines.
Gregory Schwartz Jan 11th 2011 2:03PM
Robert, I agree with you! I don't fly anywhere anymore. The last time I flew was from Florida to Detroit, Michigan for my Mother's funeral. I just don't go anywhere anymore. The airlines makes it so difficult to use their services, and the costs are getting more ridiculous all the time. I just don't go! I make a phone call, and say, "sorry". If I can't walk, ride in a car, bus or taxi, then I just don't go!
When these people on cruises get hit with a disease or a storm, I don't feel sorry for them. They are traveling for no important reason. All they are doing is eating till they burst and polluting the ocean as they go along.
And that's why I stay put.
jerry l Jan 12th 2011 12:38PM
On about my fourth trip on major airlines and just beginning to get over my fear to the point where I could enjoy the experience of flying. It is a shame, but I won't pay these fees again to fly, regardless. I can conquer my fear of flying but I can't conquer my sense of cheap! I'll stay home thank you. I am retired and don't have to fly anywhere.
Vince Jan 11th 2011 8:19AM
As a retired pilot, from a major airline, I would like to pass along a suggestion that I've mentioned to my extended family and friends, particularly those who enjoy traveling, all through my working career, and since. Encourage your children, college degree or not, to seek employment with an airline. Before you scoff, let me remind you that airlines are corporate entities that employ people in the same positions as other businesses, not limited to the flight crews and ground personnel that the flying public is accustomed to seeing. Let me also remind you that, not only the employee, but his or her parents, spouse, (and some domestic partners), and children through college age are afforded the employee's benefits of non-revenue flying. It's space available, of course, but judicious choices of days and times make it more practical. Also, upgrades to first class are available for, "Non-revs". When I fly on my airline, I purchase first class upgrades for $20 each way domestic, $50 international. I get back to my homeland in Europe 2-3 times a year and, at my age, it's so m uch more comfortable. (and quiet)
Melinda Jan 11th 2011 8:33AM
I grew up the child of airline parents and enjoyed living in foreign countries and traveling around the world. After college I went to work for a travel agency - after all, what else did I know about? Granted, the agency business isn't what it used to be but the airlines are still there and I doubt they are going anywhere soon so get someone in YOUR family into THEIRS!
morgan cowan Jan 11th 2011 8:22AM
Train travel is pretty fun! And the porter puts you on the train and stows your luggage after a sniffer dog has checked your bags for bad stuff.
The snack bar is pretty good and the service is swift and efficient.
I know my life is quieter but I would rather stay home than fly. The whole industry is officious and greedy. And still not safe!
Annee Jan 11th 2011 10:09AM
It is silly to say airline travel is not safe. It is just as safe as train travel worldwide, and far safer than car travel. That said, I avoid air travel at all cost because I hate being treated worse than cattle heading for slaughter.
Vince Jan 11th 2011 8:25AM
I'm sorry. I should have said, "The land of my birth in Europe". My homeland since the age of 6 has been, of course, the good old U.S. of A., still the land of opportunity.
Vince Jan 11th 2011 8:29AM
Morgan - Obviously, you have no interest in visiting the historic, cultural, or artistic attractions in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere in the world.
Koz Jan 11th 2011 8:32AM
I still have not seen anything about over size passengers. If they take up twice the space they should pay twice the cost. I am getting tired of lossing my elbow room to someone extra wide rolls.
papam11 Jan 11th 2011 8:37AM
They're selling a product/service and it'll cost you extra to talk to someone about it? Try that in a local mall. Don't fly---stay home.
jeffdavidson224 Jan 11th 2011 9:34AM
Seroiusly, the check birth certificates when flying with an infant. I should no, I've done it at least 10 times with both of my childen! No certificate, no lap riding! And that was 10 years ago. We aren't cheap, just sick of paying for a million other things when we book a flight
michelle Jan 11th 2011 8:40AM
LONG overdue for "infants." Some of these "infants" are obviously older than 2 which is ridiculous anyway age-wise. An infant should be under walking age or 1 year and what parent doesn't care enough about their child to want it safe in it's own seat? I'm tired of being kicked by a 3-4 year old "infant" whose parent was too cheap to buy another ticket.