American to charge for FIRST checked bag.

[Snowflake]

Not flown them since I was stuck at LAX at midnight many moons ago.

But, now they've started the trend, no doubt other carriers will follow suit.

Until I learn to fly on my own (think Icarus) I'm subject to the whims of all airlines if I actually want to fly somewhere.

[lashbear]

Originally Posted by lashbear

Well, this coupled with our previous horrendous customer service experience ensures that the LashPair will not be flying United in the future (we always have luggage with us in the USA).

...Especially the United team at Chicago Airport. They suck HARD.

Oops, make that American.... hehehe

I had the old joke of "Fly United, land in pieces" in my mind...

[Not Afraid]

I can deal with charging for drinks or a meal. I don't mind bringing my own or making plans around that fact. But, I have to bring luggage with me. As a result, this feels like petty nickel and diming and that never sits well. I also think it is a really bad move from a marketing perspective, unless their new tag line is: American, the Marge Schott of Airlines

Ticketmaster is the, well, MASTER, of nickel and diming and I will go to great lengths to avoid buying tickets through them if I can help it.

We recently had a fee structure discussion at my company. Many people are charging all sorts of surcharges (gas, after hours, extra animals, cleaning, etc.) in addition to a flat fee. I think that practice cheapens the quality of the service you are providing. I am a proponent of the charge being clear and upfront.

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

The bottom line is, they need to increase revenue or die. One way or another, you're paying for it. They've found that keeping that cost in the ticket price means fewer ticket sales. So they've found a way to get people to pay.

In the end, you're right, they want that $25 out of you. And they'll get it. Who cares how? If this is what works, and keeps airlines in business, then that's what it is. As long as it doesn't cause a massive inconvenience (and, as I argue above, this doesn't) it doesn't bother me, especially if it means that it leaves an opportunity for me to benefit by being frugal.

I'm afraid of the chaos this is going to cause at the ticket counter. It can only make an already slow process that much slower as they will now have to run credit cards for everyone (or make change). Add in the typical non-English speaking passengers that won't know what in the heck is going on with this new charge and that's my issue more than the increase itself.

[€uroMeinke]

It means more overhead luggage and the fight to board first to seize the overhead bins. Of course that's pretty bad as it is. The ticket counter slow down that Moonliner brings up is also a certainty. Bah

Must fly foreign carriers

[Alex]

Out of curiosity for what reason are you going to the ticket counter when you fly? Other than when Lani's dad died last year (because we actually had to buy a ticket for the flight we boarded 12 minutes later) I can't remember the last time I went anywhere near a ticket counter when flying.

But there's always lines so I'm always curious what service people need that they're in those lines?

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Alex

Out of curiosity for what reason are you going to the ticket counter when you fly? Other than when Lani's dad died last year (because we actually had to buy a ticket for the flight we boarded 12 minutes later) I can't remember the last time I went anywhere near a ticket counter when flying.

But there's always lines so I'm always curious what service people need that they're in those lines?

For me, Unaccompanied minor check-in, or if we need to check a bag (ie traviling with the Mrs.) At Dullas the curb side check in is a hit or miss thing. Sometimes they have it sometimes not. However most of the people in the line are there becuase they chekcing bags or making a change to a flight (ie theirs was cancled at the last min)

[€uroMeinke]

I'm one of the few people that still check bags - so even with the kiosks (which I love) there's always a delay in having them get to your bags. Usually, I like to travel at a liesurely pace, I don't care to be the first on board or first off the plane as long as I have a good seat (I prefer the window). But I hate standing.

[Not Afraid]

They are also going to charge for tickets purchased via the phone. They are also laying off thousands of people (not specified where), but I suspect this will contribute to hellish airport experiences as well.

[Fab]

Helllooooo Amtrak Frequent..um.... trainrider miles!

Change at Bakersfield, then on to Emeryville (home of Pixar) or Oakland.