The Friedman Files

A couple of the passengers we talked to at DFW airport yesterday made a good point about American Airlines decision to charge $15 for a single checked bag.  

The passengers said – instead of making us feel like we’re being nickel-ed and dimed at every turn – why not just call the fee a “fuel surcharge” and add it to the ticket price up front?  Their point was they’re sick of getting to the airport and opening their wallet at every turn, for baggage, for food, for ticket change fees, etc.  Some airlines are even charging more now for aisle and window seats!

On the baggage fee, I think American’s response would be that they’re giving customers choice.  If you want to pay a little less you can cram everything in that one carry-on bag and then fight it out with your fellow passengers for that overhead bin space.  Maybe they’ll put coin machines on the overhead bins next. 

The truth is the baggage fees help the airlines make money two ways: not just collecting the fee but also creating a dis-incentive for people to travel with bags that weigh down planes – burning more fuel.

So which fees anger you most?  Paying to check bags?  Paying for a lousy snack on board?  Paying to change a ticket?  Fuel surcharges?  Paying for extra legroom or a better seat?  I’d love to hear from you as we continue to cover this story.