You knew it would come to this sooner or later. It is the epitome of a ‘captive audience’. One airline is considering having paid toilets:
In a court ruling certain not be please the airlines, the Supreme Court of Canada reaffirmed the rights of obese fliers:
Forbes has presented a ranking of the ‘most reliable airlines’:
“When it comes to air travel, consumers probably expect this to be true. After all, budget carriers aren’t always considered smooth-running operations offering a consistent level of service. But according to our analysis of the nation’s 10 major airlines, discount carriers actually rank first in reliability.”
link: America’s Most Reliable Airlines
Southwest Airlines was the top ranked airlines. It is not surprising. Southwest has eliminated flights rather than reducing staff. In this difficult economy, the airline’s focus was on keeping its staff employed. Undoubtedly, in return, Southwest Airlines enjoys stellar loyalty from its employees.
Catherine Forsythe
Whatever is in that checked luggage better be worth the cost. United Airlines has doubled the costs:
“United Airlines has doubled its fee for a second checked bag to $50, citing volatile fuel prices.”
link: United Airlines Boosts 2nd-Bag Fee to $50
Depending on your travel destination and what is in that second bag, it may be cheaper to have that luggage shipped by courier. If you are travelling by air, check the web site of the airlines. Regulations are changing and you may want to have some prior warning before reaching the ticket counter.
Catherine Forsythe
It comes as no surprise. The added prices for air travel will remain:
“FORT WORTH, Texas — U.S. airlines have no immediate plans to reduce fuel surcharges they tack onto the price of a ticket. That’s even with recent decreases of oil and fuel prices.
Most carriers have topped their fare hikes with increases in fuel surcharges, ranging as high as $170 per round trip in the United States and more for international flights.”
link: US airlines not planning to cut fuel surcharges
It seems disingenuous that a fuel charge remains when the price of oil is dropping. Airlines have been struggling for years. However, this rising costs of a barrel of oil seems to be a rationale for eliminating services and finding creative ways to levy additional travel charges.
It seems that the airlines think that the rate of air travel will remain a constant. However, the data for automobile use have shown that the consumer can adjust and limit road travel. When the flying public reaches the point that the cost of air travel, with all its added charges, is prohibitive, then the airlines will be find that there are dire financial consequences to short term gains.
Catherine Forsythe
It seems inevitable. The airlines are planning another fare increase. United Airlines, for example, will be increasing domestic tickets. The price hike may be as much as twenty dollars. Again, the increase is being justified by the price of fuel:
“…Executives acknowledge that despite the economic downturn, fares will rise, discounts currently available will be scarce, and routes and frequencies of flights will be reduced as domestic capacity is cut through the end of the year.
The changes starting in September come on top of a litany of new charges - for luggage, drinks, pillows and other amenities - announced by some airlines earlier this year.”
link: Airlines poised to bring down the sword
The data indicate that, for just this year, some fares have increased thirty seven per cent - for just this calendar year. On top of that, there are the additional charges that the airlines have imposed. Air Canada is removing life vests from some of its flights.
The airlines are involved in a gamble. The industry is counting on the public to maintain the traffic volume and absorb the rising costs. However, for many people, air travel will be simply cost prohibitive and people will re-examine whether that trip is essential. And when businesses do a similar assessment, the airlines will have very few options left.
Catherine Forsythe
With the announcement of broadband internet services on airlines, some people speculated that voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calls would follow quickly. Congress has banned the use of cell phones during flights. However, there were other people (myself among them) that thought that VoIP would not be a strong alternative.
The reason for this is that, with the stringent flight regulations that are now in place, people would be hesitant about contravening any air rules. It seemed as though landing on some national security data base would be a heavy price to pay for using VoIP. Further, it would incur the wrath of fellow passenger who might want a peaceful flight without internet or cell phone chatter.
The people would thought VoIp would be a fringe development were wrong:
“…Just days after American Airlines made the big-deal announcement that it had rolled out in-flight internet on certain routes, hackers have found a way to use the service for voice-over-internet protocol calls, despite promises from the airline that its air-to-ground system, developed by Aircell, would block voice calls.”
link: Despite Airlines’ Promises, Customers Find a Way to Make VOIP Calls on Flights
It seems that, even with regulations restricting how the in-flight broadband is to be used, people will utilize VoIP. It seems being connected trumps flight regulations and privacy. And the ‘friendly skies’ might have more chatter than anticipated.
Catherine Forsythe
United Airlines will start considering on board snacks as a profit center. There will be charges for any food served:
“…Beginning Sept. 2, United Airlines will no longer hand out complimentary pretzels and cookies to economy class fliers across North America.
The airline is also dropping complimentary meals in domestic business class, effective Oct. 1, except for premium transcontinental flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York. And it’s expanding the BOB, or buy-on-board, food offerings.”
link: United Airlines to drop free snacks
It seems that from water to a pillow, airlines are charging. The constant rationale is that the fuel costs are climbing. Ironically, the fuel costs have been dropping recently but the additional costs continue to squeeze every possible cent from the traveller. The travel experience is becoming continually paying and, at some point, the public will find innovative ways to say “no”.
Catherine Forsythe
Amid the wave of protest concerning the luggage fees charged to the U.S. military personnel, some airlines have responded. For example, Northwest Airlines waived the fee:
“…Effective today, military personnel traveling on orders domestically or internationally may check up to three bags, up to 70 pounds each, at no fee.
“Northwest Airlines takes every opportunity to assist military personnel with their travel plans, and works closely with the Department of Defense and military non-profit organizations such as Fisher House to ensure that needs of military members are met when we can do so,” says Jim Cron, senior vice president revenue management.”
link: Northwest Airlines Waives Bag Fees for U.S. Military
Other carriers such as American Airlines, Alaska Air Group and others are making similar announcements. Perhaps public pressure still matters. Kudos to these carriers for doing the right thing.
Catherine Forsythe
The airlines are trying to find ways to offset the soaring costs of fuel. One of the changes in the industry is adding fees for luggage. Luggage handling becomes a revenue source. However, there is something fundamentally wrong with charging military personnel these extra fees:
“…Fees for extra bags may be an industry norm, said VFW spokesman Joe Davis, “but we’re asking the airlines to cut military service members a break. You can’t deploy to war with only two bags.”"
link: VFW wants airlines to waive 3rd bag fee for military members
This may mean a bit more work for the airline staff. However, it pales in comparison to placing oneself in Harm’s Way for one’s country. Kudos to Southwest Airlines for waiving this fee for military personnel. It is an example that all airlines should follow - immediately.
Catherine Forsythe
