American to charge for FIRST checked bag.

[blueerica]

OK, I finally had to just skip through for the sake of time (damn, this thread got long!), so if this has been answered or I am incorrect and it's been pointed out prior to this, please accept all daily recommended apologies.

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

With oil trading at $131/barrel right now they're doing anything and everything they can to remain profitable.

They asked us, right after landing back in SLC, to close our windows and open our vents to save on fuel. I keep it that way, anyway, and am an aisle sitter since most flights aren't long enough for me to "hafta go" and the walls give me an opportunity to snooze. It was warm-ish air the entire flight, as well.

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

I personally think that charging people for their bags is ridiculous. There are times when you have to have luggage for your trip. It's not an option not to. So now you're getting charged for it. I think there are other ways to stay afloat rather than nickel and dime your passengers.

I tend to agree with this. On both flights this past week, they were begging people to check their items. I saw all kinds of bags that were (to me) obviously too large in the sense of allowing others carry-on baggage. If they charge to put the first item in, they'll have an empty cargo and people bringing their two allotted carry-ons. The better change, IMO, would be to limit everyone to one carry-on that is over a small purse size, rather than a suitcase and a computer bag (for example).

I see American's point, though - people are more likely to pay the extra charge for the checked baggage after being duped (or maybe they're just stupid, which I'm equally able to believe) into buying the cheaper-looking ticket. Maybe the airline can bag a few more bucks, $15 at a time.

Bleh.

SLC is a Delta hub, I'm crossing my fingers.