Blanket? Pillow? That will be $2 please

[BarTopDancer]

Airlines Begin Charging for Ameities (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060403/ap_on_bi_ge/airline_quality)

Ask for a pillow and blanket to help get through a long flight and you may be out of luck. Or you may be able to buy a "comfort package" from Air Canada for $2. Like to check your luggage curbside? That could cost up to $3 a bag.

Sodas and food. I'm not suprised curbside check-in, pillows, blankets and talking to a person are costing extra now.

[mousepod]

Yeah - we flew Air Canada from Vancouver to San Francisco yesterday. Since it was a relatively short flight, we opted against food, but I have to say that I was impressed with the selection. I'd rather pay an extra $5 for a Subway sandwich than have a "free" mystery stew.

[€uroMeinke]

More often than not the pillow and blanket are an annoyance to me, having to stash them somewhere.

[Not Afraid]

Planes are too hot anyways so who needs a blanket. Besides, I doubt they wash them each time. EWWWW! I bring my own neck pilllow on long or late flights but I will use the provided pillows to soften the hard surfaces like the arm rests.

I actually like the stripped-down airlines better for shorter flights. The food is better and, as with Song, they're more fun.

For overseas flights, I want my amenities.

[BarTopDancer]

When I would fly I would usually take the red-eye and bring my own pillow and fleece blanket for no reason other than allergies.

I just find it interesting that they are starting to charge for things such as paper tickets, talking to a representative, curb-side check-in, aisle and bulkhead seats etc...

I understand why... the rising cost of gas, labor and competition of the no frills airlines, still interesting none-the-less.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Reminds me why I generally don't fly. High cost, charge you for everything, and don't even get me started on the security measures. Hubby flew recently and decided his checked luggage had never been more vulnerable.

Makes me sad because there are so many fabulous places to visit but out of the range of what I'm willing to drive.

[Freaky Tiki]

Here's what I think, instead of charging people on the plane, just add 2 bucks onto the ticket if its that big of a deal.

I few America West to and from Hawaii a few weeks ago and it was crap. The six hour flight had only one movie, and the only food available were "snack boxes" that cost 5 bucks each, and they didn't have enough for the whole plane. In fact, the lady announcing the rows actually recommended people to buy things to eat in the airport because there was such a small chance they would get food.

Grade A bologna

[Gemini Cricket]

Flights to Hawai'i are loooong. (I know there are longer flights but this one seems dreadfully long.) That's why I bring my own food, neck pillow, iPod, book and water. The best case scenario is also when Ralphie brings his laptop and I play RCT2 on it for 5 hours...

[mousepod]

In three hours, I'm going to get on a plane to NY. I have the last 2 Times Crosswords, my iBook, my iPod, the latest Sarah Vowell book (in paperback), a bottle of water and a sandwich.

I have no expectations from Continental, other than a guaranteed seat and a safe flight, so I probably won't be disappointed. I'll keep you posted.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Travel safely.