21 replies to this topic

[ASDmike]

Well, the cascading crisis of the devalued dollar, surging energy needs in Asia, oil companies having merged and closed less productive refineries and speculators rushing their money out of real estate and into commodities, all has led to a perfect storm. The question is how many of our airlines will survive.

When it comes to the airlines, its no longer an us versus them situation. There are many airlines out of business today that looked solvent (but shaky) last fall. So, if they go as far as asking me to step on a scale and pay per pound surcharge for me and my lugagage, well so be it. As long as they are still flying and doing the great job they generally do.

No, its not that we won't be able to get to these dive destinations. Its just that one of the four airlines will be gone. Another of the four will have to drop the route since they just can't make money on it. And the other two will be able to double or triple the fare because of "supply and demand".

So for now, shipping the first 50lbs of luggage with me for $15 sounds like a deal. Sorry folks, the old days are gone.

[dustbowl diver]

Where is that line in the sand? When then will $15 not be enough?

I cannot imagine nor can I speculate on what will be next, suffice to say, its gonna cost more tomorrow than it does today!

[Scubatooth]

The funny one is that most of the US mail(including some UPS, FedEx, DHL) and shipments go via the airlines so it will still end up on a plane. oh the irony.

[Parrotman]

So much for there being space in the overhead bins ever again. I look forward to the delays when the people unlucky enough to board last argue over having to gate check their "carry-ons" that are the size of small children.

Especially when the put their bags in the first class bins and then go to the back of the plane for their seats. Then when the first class passengers get on there is not place for their bags. Personally, I think they have this backwards. The airlines should be charging for the carryon's that would lower the amount of carryons and most likely improve departure times.

First Class generally boards first and should get to fill up their overheads then

nice in theory but not always the way it works. I have flown first class on hundreds of trips and generally I wait until most of the plane is boarded so that I am not sitting there while the hoards of people go stomping by banging into you with their bags and sticking their butts in your face while they are waiting for someone in isle 26 to stuff all of their carryons into an overhead.

[dustbowl diver]

Check out this URL link the next time you plan to fly on American Airlines:

http://www.dallasnew...n1.45e93cc.html

[ev780]

This is great!!!! It will now cost and additional $80 to take luggage with you on any trip.
Did anyone read the exceptions list? If not let me share.

The following customers will not be charged a service fee to check a bag provided the bag is within the weight allowance:

<snip>

AAnytime® Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver(SM) or AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets
First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check in

It might be worth the price of a first class ticket.
I wonder how many travelers will be looking for loopholes.
Glad to see that active duty military are not being charged.

Luckily I travel mostly on miles anyway. Safe for the moment!!

Edited by ev780, 23 May 2008 - 08:40 AM.