weight = fuel. Someone has to pay.

Posted By Soctt Dilworth on July 31, 2008, 4:14 AM

What concerns me most is travelers will attempt to bring even MORE carry-on stuff - which needs to be monitored MUCH more than it is!

Posted By BAM on July 31, 2008, 12:25 PM

I'm fine with the charges. The economy is bad, fuel prices are high, and flights were cheap for a long time and now the prices are just catching.

I've always been an efficient packer...a typical carry-on lasts me 2-3 weeks and it can last me indefinitely if I do laundry at my destination.

I'm glad that I don't have to pay for other people's heavy luggage, and other people's consumption. So I'd rather everyone pay your fee for the ticket only...anything extra you use/do costs you more. That's how life works.

For drinks, I bring an empty water bottle with me to the airport and once I am past security, I fill it with water. You can do it for free at a water fountain or any fast-food place that sells sodas, will let you fill up your bottle with water for free.

Posted By gabriel on July 31, 2008, 12:26 PM

I prefer charging for the second checked bag to raising the ticket price. I can make do with one checked bag and a carry on, even for a two week vacation. that way I don't pay a higher ticket price for those who can't pack well. But I don't like paying for one checked bag. That only serves to make people try to stuff large carry ons in the overhead bins, delaying boarding and deplaning, and producing too many irritated travelers.

Posted By Jeanne on July 31, 2008, 12:30 PM

I have no problem paying for a second checked bag, it's the first that's the problem. Carry on's are fine, but when you need dressy clothes for a week long vacation, carry on's do not work.

Posted By Paula Keurajian on July 31, 2008, 12:47 PM

Higher prices are a reality - we already pay them at the pump. We travel with carry on size bags but have checked them to allow us to bring shampoo/essentials and to reduce the horrible clutter in the cabin as people try to stuff large amounts of stuff in overhead bins. If weight is the real issue, why not let people check one carry on size/weight bag free? They get less weight, less chaos and we get shampoo!

Posted By Kris on July 31, 2008, 12:53 PM

Some of these bloggers act like airlines are crooks by making us pay for services that used to be free. They don't realize that the price of plane fuel, like gas, has jumped at an alarming rate. If the airlines don't want to lose money they have to start charging for these *intitlements*.
What can we do? Pack only the must-haves onto your carry ons. I've been flying a lot reciently and never had to check luggage. Ship any extra stuff to/from where you're staying.
If security lift their bans on the amount of liquid we are allowed to carry, then we can bring drinks, etc. on our flights.

Posted By joe on July 31, 2008, 12:58 PM

These constant changes in prices are scaring travelers so much that they make us not want to plan any future trips. Set a price ~ even if it's for only 3 months at a time and stick to it! It's sort of like playing a game and having the rules change all the way through it.

Posted By Diana on July 31, 2008, 12:59 PM

I really don't care how much they charge for bags as long as they are maintaining the plane. It doesn't help me if the plane crashes because they don't have enough in the maintenance budget.

Also first class is looking more like a bargain when you need to travel with a bunch of stuff - 3 bags allowed weighing 70 pounds each on Delta.

Posted By Karla on July 31, 2008, 12:59 PM

I teach craft classes on cruise ships and must bring all the supplies for 100 people for 4 to 12 classes. I have got it down to a science to get on board with my purse one carry one and two checked bags and stay under weight. now each trip will cost me extra because there is no way to bring all that I need to and still have any room for clothes with one suit case. This means that I will be traveling less not more so the airlines will ultimatly will be getting less of my money.

Posted By cheryl on July 31, 2008, 1:13 PM

WHY DON'T THE AIRLINES START CHARGING ITS EMPLOYEES 1/2 OF THE COST OF A TICKET TO FLY. IF GAS IS GETTING TOO EXPENSIVE MAYBE THE EMPLOYEES SHOULD TAKE ON SOME OF THE RESPONSABILITY. IF THE FESS KEEP GOING UP NO ONE IS GOING TO FLY SO THAT MEANS LESS FLIGHTS AND MORE LAYOFFS. THEY CAN THINK OF IT AS JOB SECURITY.

Posted By PAUL on July 31, 2008, 1:30 PM

I'm fine with Delta's extra charges. I will not be using Delta. End of story. If everyone did this, Delta would go out of business even faster. No loss here.

Posted By Matt Creegan on July 31, 2008, 1:30 PM

Why is no one questioning the HUGE bonuses the CEOs (and a precious few other high ranking employees) get while the pilots and other employees must take pay CUTS? And the charge MORE fees - insane.

Posted By Claudia on July 31, 2008, 1:52 PM

Most of my travel is for business, so I don't mind the fees so much since I get reimbursed (even though I think the 1st checked bag should be free). What I do mind is all the various extra nickle & dime receipts I now have to keep track of in order to GET reimbursed.

When we make our reservations, we should be able to specify the number of checked bags and just pay that fee as part of the ticket price. When we check in, their system should then show how many "free" checked bags we're allowed because we have prepaid the fee.

In regards to buying food or drinks ON the plane - it's always a pain to get to money/credit cards since everything is in the overhead or under a seat so I don't bother. I either tuck some creackers in my purse, get a quick [portable] snack/meal at the airport, or just do without until I get to the next destination. For drinks, I usually just buy a bottle of water once I'm past Security and tuck it into an outside pocket of my carryon for quick retrieval. Since the issue getting past Security is bottles containing liquid, you could even keep the empty throughout your trip and refill it as needed; emptying it before having to go through a checkpoint again.

Posted By Neverwill on July 31, 2008, 1:54 PM

Let's see now... that will be 1500 pennies I need to bring to the airport for my first bag, and 200 pennies, all unrolled of course, I need to carry aboard for my water bottle.

Imagine how much fun and laughter we would have watching the airline employees count out the pennies. Imagine how it would mess up the quick check-in process. They always say exact change is appreciated!

Posted By Michael on July 31, 2008, 1:57 PM

Why aren't they charging for the carry on bags????!If you have ever been in any kind of turbulence and seen how things fly around you would be concerned about large bags in overheads flying. Those little locks aren't going to hold nothing in in real turbulence! The airlines are responsible for your safety---get hit in the head by some of this weighty stuff and the airlines will be facing a huge lawsuit. Don't take this out on the airline employees checking your bags, people, they are only doing their jobs--let's see what Mr. Airline President does about this as he collects his salaries and bonuses!

Posted By Anne on July 31, 2008, 2:37 PM

I've already stopped flying anywhere I don't absolutely have to. I took a couple of car trips from NYC to Toronto this summer. It was great: traffic was very light due to gas prices. I took the train once and remembered how enjoyable and spacious a train is compared to a plane. And on all the trips, I could bring all the luggage I wanted. I feel sorry for those who have to fly.

Posted By John on July 31, 2008, 3:02 PM

Most of my travel is for business, so I don't mind the fees so much since I get reimbursed (even though I think the 1st checked bag should be free). What I do mind is all the various extra nickle & dime receipts I now have to keep track of in order to GET reimbursed.

When we make our reservations, we should be able to specify the number of checked bags and just pay that fee as part of the ticket price. When we check in, their system should then show how many "free" checked bags we're allowed because we have prepaid the fee.

In regards to buying food or drinks ON the plane - it's always a pain to get to money/credit cards since everything is in the overhead or under a seat so I don't bother. I either tuck some creackers in my purse, get a quick [portable] snack/meal at the airport, or just do without until I get to the next destination. For drinks, I usually just buy a bottle of water once I'm past Security and tuck it into an outside pocket of my carryon for quick retrieval. Since the issue getting past Security is bottles containing liquid, you could even keep the empty throughout your trip and refill it as needed; emptying it before having to go through a checkpoint again.

Posted By Neverwill on July 31, 2008, 3:16 PM

Well, I hate most of it, but I have to understand it. Fuel costs are crazy and the airlines have to make up the revenue somewhere, but there should be some limitations. Charging for a drink on the plane is a little over the top for me. I mean, we cannot brink a drink past security so that forces one to either purchase at the airport or onboard. This looks like trouble to me as we are held captive to where we can purchase and this creates abuse of charges. I don't think it's fair. I live in alaska and it is not uncommon for my family to spend 15 hours traveling by air to our destination. Often times our flights are at odd hours and Lower 48 airport vendors close early. We are often held captive to purchase food on the flight (if they don't run out - which has happened to us) because there will be no other option. I feel that it is fair that the airlines offer a beverage or two during flight time. It's unhealthy to fly many hours without a drink. Folks need water to take medicine. There are many reasons why we drink on the plane. If the airlines start charging for drinks (even water), I feel they cross the line of exploiting their situation.

Posted By LMom on July 31, 2008, 3:42 PM

It's worth pointing out that some other aviation experts believe that Delta is trying to discourage passengers from bringing checked bags because that frees up space it can use to carry cargo, from packages to commercial goods, at a profit.

Posted By Sean on July 31, 2008, 4:58 PM

It is no secret that airlines would like to not bother with the occasional leisure traveler; just the ones with deep pockets. Think about it... would a business traveler be checking two bags under any circumstances? In most cases, I think not. Add to that the cutting of flights, so there are not as many seats anymore. Business travelers can pay extra, and get reimbursed... most leisure travelers have to just bite the bullet. Oh, you'll find an occasional deal, but, few or no seats available

And, there is really nothing we can do about it. All the airlines impose these fees at the same time? it doesn't really strike me as being a competitive environment, maybe it should be investigated... oh wait!! The current administration prefers to let "market forces" dictate prices, and cut back on regulation.

Ahhh... I've ranted eoungh

Posted By Bob on July 31, 2008, 6:42 PM

It's not just Delta. Look at US Airways and others, charging for 1st bags, even emergency row, window and aisle seats. As for charging for drinks, Aloha and Hawaiian, among others charged for soft drinks as far back as the 1960's. In the 50's and early 60's there was a charge for food. Plus, I think USA3000charge of 7.00 for a snack and accept only credit cards, including charging 10.00 to reserve a seat is right up there with the baggage charges.

As for water,just take an empty bottle through security and fill it at the fountain. Take a lunch of apple, nuts, crackers, cheese, sandwich, chips, whatever, through security. I do it all the time. The airline fares have been not paying the bills in certain markets for a long time and people came to expect too much.

The CEO's etc, and top brass are overpaid with golden parachutes, and have been for a long time.
The lowly employee takes cut after cut and works more hours. In the beginning, travel benefits were part of the package that was deemed as part of your pay package. Lower pay, + travel benefits. Now an employee can almost forget trying to stand by because it can take days to get on a flight these days, running from gate to gate and hotel & back, when you don't get on that day. I started as an Air Hostess in 1957 with low pay, long hours and travel benefits as the carrot on the stick to attract me to the job. Now, since I retired in 1998, I have paid full fare for my travel. No point in standing by. Unless you hit it lucky you are at the airport for days. That's life, today.
If the airlines don't make profits, there will be no air service unless the government takes it over again. Cheers to Southwest, but when the fuel future contracts will they be in trouble, also and have to follow suit? Time will tell!

Posted By L. Smith on July 31, 2008, 6:53 PM

I'd agree with raising the ticket price vs. paying the luggage fee. The problem is the airlines are doing both and nobody seems to be noticing.

Posted By Dave on July 31, 2008, 6:54 PM

Weight? Bring on the charges for the massive passengers. Yeah, I know they don't all choose their weight, but if we're being priced by the pound let's be fair.

Posted By MB on July 31, 2008, 7:23 PM

If this is a weight issue, then it is time to just make it really fair, and start weighing the passengers and agree that your base ticket equals 100lbs of person plus luggage and that each pound over the hundred costs one dollar more. They lower the base ticket price and stop penalizing thin people with the weight = fuel penalty as most of the poundage is in the seat not in the suitcase.

Posted By paul on July 31, 2008, 8:27 PM

When liquids were limited by the 3-1-1 rule, the airlines assured us that they would provide plenty of free water onboard and I think they should be required by law to do that for health reasons. Dehydration can cause serious problems, especially with the dry air and the risk of deep-vein thrombosis on long flights. I've been taking a plastic cup to fill at the water fountain so I have something to drink while waiting for the flight. If they are going to charge for water onboard, I'll have to bring a plastic bottle to fill instead.
I don't mind that Delta is charging so much for the second checked bag. Extra weight requires extra fuel and those of us who travel light should not have to pay more for our tickets to subsidize those with extra baggage.
Most people could travel comfortably with much less luggage than they think. My husband and I have gone overseas several times, with trips lasting months. We each have a carry-on that weighs about 17 pounds full and we dress well. So many people asked how we did it that I published two books (see my dot com) that show how. With my methods, even dressy evenings are no problem.
If people aren't able to limit their luggage to what they can carry on, they could still use the info to pare down to one checked bag plus a small tote of necessities in case their luggage is lost. Airlines "misplaced" about 14,000 bags per day last year in the U.S. and some of those were lost permanently. How lucky do you feel?

Posted By Barbara DesChamps on July 31, 2008, 9:02 PM

We do not mind the airlines are charging for extra weight, as we are a world traveler we see people and kids carry more that their weight. They are not organized about bagging their belongings. We are leaving in a few weeks outside of the U.S. for a couple months, we will take a carry-on, a shoulder bag, and a very small suitcase which will weight about 25 lbs., but be very careful about everything. Don't take more that you need, you can wash in-between. Very seldom we take the plane in the U.S. we rather drive. You have more security in others countries that in this country and also more restrictions.

Posted By Jeanne on July 31, 2008, 9:53 PM

DON'T FLY DELTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By aa on August 1, 2008, 1:39 AM

Why are people so outraged when the airlines are trying to eke out a measly profit to provide air travel to the American public, but there is no outrage when Exxon Mobil just announced an all time record-breaking profit off almost 12 BILLION dollars! If you want the airlines to keep flying, use less gasoline at the pumps, bring the price of oil down, and the airlines will follow suit!

Posted By Larry L in MB on August 1, 2008, 2:24 AM

Does anyone understand the implications of all these additional baggage fees for skis? We are going on a ski trip this winter and have not purchased tickets yet, so we don't know what airline we will be on -- but they all seem to be moving toward this fee structure.

It used to be that they counted the boot bag and the long ski bag as one item. I can't tell from Delta's new policy if those will now be counted as two, if one will be free and one $50, or if additional fees will be incurred for excess size.

We're seriously thinking of shipping our skis out ahead of time.

Posted By Amy on August 1, 2008, 9:58 AM

Hey: I just had a great idea. How to overcome all this stuff about charging for baggage....and even the hassle at security checks as well.................JUST TRAVEL NAKED!!!!!!

Posted By JIM on August 1, 2008, 10:48 AM

the airlines need to get it through their heads that nickle diming just cases more customer resistance and animosity. Charging for bags so the morons will try to stuff a 3 suiter in the overhead while the airplane idles away. Charging for aisle/window seats, etc etc. Charge what you have to for the flight and be done with it.
Can you imagine going into a store and being told their will be a lighting charge for the aisle you want to go to, and employee will be 50 cents per minute, bags are 25 cents and of course you now have to pay for parking. You would shop elsewhere and many of us are flying less because of the hassle by low IQ, power hungry TSA people on top of the nickle diming. WAKE UP AIRLINES!!!

Posted By Nick on August 1, 2008, 11:51 AM

I weigh around 100 pounds. I think I should pay less than the 300 pounder who adds to the weight overload on planes. It follows that I shouldn't have to pay for over weight luggage as I still would weigh less than half of what the 300 hundred pound person weighs!

Posted By Carol on August 1, 2008, 6:20 PM

I usually travel on frequent flyer miles, so the baggage charge would be nominal as the ticket is free. The first bag should be free. Drinks should be free, as many people have health problems that requires them to have drinks. What happens when a diabetic goes in a coma? Will the airline charge this person who is comatose? Wake up airlines . You're setting yourself up for a lawsuit MORON.

Posted By Michele on August 2, 2008, 9:22 PM

I am a business traveler. I like to travel for vacations also. I generally drive when I can do so within 8 hours.

The new charges for "excess bags" have become unreasonable in my opinion.

I often carry one or even two checked bags. I can no longer carry fluids. I cannot carry knives and other tools. I carry two or three sets of clothing for working out of doors, Fire retardant, special coveralls, boots, safety supplies. I cannot carry this in one bag of any size.

I do object to paying additional charges for this stuff, but I pay this three times on a three-leg trip.

They can certainly provide something to drink during a 2 hour or more flight. Rightfully, any flight that takes off at 11 am or 4 pm and lasts 2 hours or more should include food. Something more than Purina Airline Chow, sorry Purina.

Most times you end up changing flights in that time frame and do not have enough time to change terminals, find a gate, bio-break, and eat too.

Someone blasted TSA unfairly. I think they are a world of improvement over the previous rent-a-cops. There are just too many unreasonable restrictions on what we can carry now.

Remember that the airlines are like the trucking industry. We provide the airports they use, the roads into the airports, the phone and computer services they make reservations with, even the airways they communicate over when they fly. We also train most of their pilots. Think about it. Basically they fly at our pleasure.

You are still the customer.

Thanks for listening.

Posted By Harry Ruggles on August 2, 2008, 11:00 PM

I am currently using my frequent flier miles on Delta for a trip to DC next month. Talk about a hassle, I of course had to up some money for numerous nickle and dime add-ons to claim my miles.I think the next indignity will be the voiding of all FF miles, so fellow traveler, if you've got them, use them now.

Posted By Norma Jean on August 4, 2008, 11:15 PM

To Paul: Airline employees have already paid....with wage cuts...benefits cuts...AND service charges to fly.

Posted By suzy on August 5, 2008, 10:57 AM

Come on Amy...do you think I or any other person who doesn't ski have sympathy? Geez! Try something else...yoga...ya don't need anything but resolve!

Posted By suzy on August 5, 2008, 11:44 AM

Harry Ruggles: how naive of you...YOU do NOT provide ALL of the things you say you do. Ever heard of landing fees...airport space rental fees and all the fees that the government tacks onto your ticket...THAT pays for your airports,roads..etc...the biggest part of that is the landing fees and airport rental space!

Posted By suzy on August 5, 2008, 11:50 AM

Well, the increase in prices were suppose to be because of the high gas prices, but now they are coming down, and have been, soooooo, will we see a call back on some of these outrages fees, or will we need to talk with our wallets? Service hasn't exactly gotten better either. Travelers have greeeeaaaat memories....

Posted By Shannon Olsen on August 5, 2008, 10:30 PM

The airline business has its ups and downs, that is a given for all of us. The problem is all american airlines are incredibly inefficient, executive pay is excessive, they are incompetent and greedy. let most american airlines go bankrupt and do not bail them out. It amazes me that there are airlines in the US or out, that manage to make money, so why does the american public let the gov't or the industry keep these carriers in business. they can be replaced and someone will!

Posted By carl looby on August 7, 2008, 12:18 PM

To Paul, most employees for most airlines have to pay something to fly. When I worked for little NWA I was charged a fee of $50 per person on my fly list, had to pay the taxes and a % of each ticket with NO refund if I got bumped. At the airport where I work now there is an airline that their employees get no discount or free travel (Allegiant Air). With the airlines cutting back on cities that they serve and the number of flights you won't be seeing very many employees flying much less for free!

Posted By Julicans on August 9, 2008, 8:55 AM

Gabriel's comments are right on target! I pack one bag for any trip, and it's carry-on sized, so for me it is only fair that those who wish to fly with more than one bag should pay for the cost of shipping that bag on the plane, or they can ship that bag UPS/FedEx and pay them. Either way, they should pay.
One bag is expected for a traveler...and accordingly is free.
I have no problem with the charge because I pack smart.

Posted By DallasGal on August 9, 2008, 2:04 PM

What the U.S. needs is to get our government off their fat haunches and develop a rail system second to none and that would get a lot of cars off the roads and save a lot of fuel. Look at other countries. Look at what London is doing!!!

Make Amtrak workable Washington.

Posted By palintex on August 12, 2008, 10:21 AM

My husband is 6' 4" tall, wears a size 13 shoe, and my mother is 5' 1" and wears a size 5 shoe. (I'm somewhere in the middle.) Obviously, when we travel together, we can compare: My mother can fit more of her things in a regulation-size checked bag and carryon than my husband can. (We'll leave discussion of cramped seating for another blog.) It makes him no more "greedy" than the the next person, but his requirements for an equal level of comfort are greater. So there is a built-in economic bias against larger-taller people as it is. If you're going to charge by the bag, then it's analogous to say we should start charging to fly by the poundage of the person. Is this really what we want to do? And you wonder why flyers are irritable. We've been reduced to nothing more than cargo. And it's apparent in the manner of the so called "service" people in the travel industry.

Posted By C McC on August 14, 2008, 4:07 PM

The comment above referring to the 100 vs 300 lb flier is on target. If airlines really want to save (earn?) money, they should WEIGH PASSENGERS at check-in, then charge a sliding scale fee based on passenger weight. Much more effective than bag charges.

Charging a $50 baggage fee six months after you've made a rservation violates any implied trust and serves only to anger fliers. If fuel costs are high, charge more for the ticket!

Posted By mrappap on August 17, 2008, 1:23 PM

The airlines will charge whatever they want for anything they want to....the consumer has very little to say about any of it. If the average person can afford to fly, then go with the flow. If you can't afford it, stay home.

Posted By golfinggrammie on August 21, 2008, 11:22 AM

i have spent more flight time with the likes of airfrance,ba,and malaysian...i`ll take them anyday over us carriers!and this has just reconfirmed my choices..

Posted By pinky on August 21, 2008, 4:16 PM

Fly Southwest: 2 carry on's Ok
2 checked bags OK
Free soft drinks and peanuts
Very pleasant staff
Gotta love it!!!

Posted By Bob on August 21, 2008, 4:45 PM

fly foreign carrier they are a lot better

Posted By monique brewer on August 21, 2008, 5:13 PM

On El Al, undisputed for its security, you can take on a 2 liter bottle of water. Doesn't it make you suspicious that the whole liquid thing is just a money making ploy?

Fuel prices went up by X percentage then up the ticket price by that much, prices go down so lower the ticket too. Wages rise that could be reflected in the ticket price as well. This should be made law. The nickle and diming makes it impossible to comparison shop. Supermarkets are required to have unit pricing. Why not airlines?

Funny how all the people in favor of the airlines are either connected directly or indirectly to the industry or fly for free curtesy of their employer.
And those that want personal weight to count all weigh 100 lbs. How many men weigh 100 lbs.? Weight is in good part determined by genetics and body frame. Going start doing everyones bmis at check in?

Posted By Shahama on August 22, 2008, 5:56 AM

I didn't think you were allowed to bring an empty water bottle through security to fill after you are through security. Is this allowed? Kay

Posted By Kay on August 25, 2008, 7:54 PM

Weight is weight....However, it is normal for a person to have 1 checked bag...†here should be no charge for it! BUT the grossly overweight should also have to pay! We should charge anyone oversized just as the charge for overlimit bags! I have spent a few flights with people puring over into my seat! That is what would be fair!

Posted By kiki on August 25, 2008, 8:00 PM

The problem I see most is the people who carry on 2 bags that should be checked due to their size, plus a carry on size bag and a computer. But no one with the airline tells them they can't even though the posted rules are 1 carry on and a purse or PC. I travel a lot oversees and I see this all the time. By the time the poor people in the rear of the plane board there is no room for their carry ons.
Also I think the airlines need to learn to board the passengers seated in the rear first and work forward. They do this all backwards. They board first class, then business and then coach from the front back. Totally backwards!

Posted By Keith on August 26, 2008, 9:57 AM

several yrs ago I learned to pack one carry on as I have always been stand-by. I learned many lessons from Rick Steve's.com, esp. traveling on metros etc. We do not need to take everything we think we might use. Only exceptions should be parents with babies, handicapped, etc. An example of packing-went to Paris for 10 days and then skiing in Switzerland, all in one carry-on and one large purse. We need to rethink what is necessary,after all we can't take it with us in the end.

Posted By Judy on August 26, 2008, 1:04 PM

I came across a great website that shows all the updated baggage fees for many airlines...even international carriers.

airlinealacarte.com

Posted By kate on September 7, 2008, 9:26 PM