American to charge for FIRST checked bag.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

I think you missed my point, Kevy. If Southwest charges for drinks and brings their fare down to $69, and American charges for drinks and brings their fare down to $69 and every airline does the same ... where's the "published ticket price" advantage in charging for drinks?

I used Southwest specifically because they are currently advertising that they DON'T (and for the foreseeable future, presumably won't) have the additional up charges.

As I predicted earlier in this thread, I think this will become an advertising game as a way for airlines to differentiate: some will advertise the lowest possible fairs and others will advertise that they don't nickel and dime you to death. US Air (et. al.) are predicting that the ticket-buying masses are stupid and will just go for the lowest fair. Southwest (and I am sure that if not already that there will be others) will give buyers credit for reasonable intelligence and can figure out that they really are the same cost (effectively) to fly with them. They also win with clients (like Moonliner) who just want an all-inclusive price.

Considering SW's considerable success (they are one of very few airlines that has consistently made a profit - most recently because the invested wisely in jet fuel futures), I prognosticate that the SW model will prove to be more successful

[Ghoulish Delight]

And panic isn't a good enough reason? Every airline is at the panic point. At this point "preventing someone else from taking the advantage" I'm sure looks like excellent business, even if it means the end result is status-quo. I can't imagine any airline exec looking at an obvious way of lowering ticket prices without thinking, "If we don't, someone will."

Honestly, they're doing a terrible job of spinning this. Or, rather, consumers and media are doing a better job of spinning it. The way I'm looking at it, and the way they should be pushing it, is, "Don't pay for services you don't use."

[Kevy Baby]

If it weren't for last-minute panic, I would never get anything done

[Fab]

Me too.

When I was a kid, a million and six years ago, flying was a luxury. If I'm going to fly anywhere, I'll fly Virgin or JetBlue, or go Business Class. Sometimes, Coach plus all the things you have to pay for equals or almost equals Business Class price anyway.

Otherwise, I'll take Amtrak.

Flying is a luxury again.

[innerSpaceman]

You're right, Mr. Delight. Don't Pay for Services You Don't Use would be the proper spin.

Right now, I think they're shooting themselves in the wing by looking like they're going to charge you extra for on-board oxygen.

[Ghoulish Delight]

They hardly had the opportunity as media outlets jumped on it instantly and painted them as evil money grubbers. Not sure why people want airlines to fail, I personally kinda appreciate the service they provide.

[innerSpaceman]

I don't think the public wants them to fail. They just don't want them to succeed by being deceptive.


And I think it's perfectly logical perception to look at "Hey, our tickets are $10 less than our competitor's ... but we charge you $15 to check a bag" ... as an attempt at deception.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

And I think it's perfectly logical perception to look at "Hey, our tickets are $10 less than our competitor's ... but we charge you $15 to check a bag" ... as an attempt at deception.

Meh, maybe it'll teach a few rubes a lesson to finally see it in those terms.

[katiesue]

My current airline gripe - 12 years and older travel alone. Unaccompanied minors are age 11 or younger. How does a 12 year old navigate an airport? I'd happily pay the charge but it's not an option.

Hopefully they'll give me a pass to get through security with her so I can make sure she's on the right plane. And cross fingers they let Swanie do the same on the other end to pick her up. Apparently it's not official policy but they "usually" let you do it.

[mousepod]

Well, if I'm going to have to pay for my soft drinks, I'm going back to calling the flight attendants "waiters" and "waitresses".