Flying domestic in the US is going to burn your pocket and I bet it will only get worse. It seems like the airlines are in a race of who-can-charge-the most fees or something. First it was the food and drinks which is not too bad as long as they still allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks. I mean, if you are a family of 4-5 and have to pay $3 for each soda/water you have during the flight you would have to fork out at least $100 for the drinks alone! Yikes!
And now American Airlines, United and US Airways are charging even your 1st check-in luggage! That is just so unacceptable and it sucks! We all know that everything is about weight so why is it that airlines are not charging according to the TOTAL weight of the passengers AND their luggage(s)? Isnt that like simple math? If they think that it's a discrimination to overweight (OW) people, what about the not OW people? They are the ones who should be shouting discrimination since logically, they are subsidising the fees of the OW people. Now, is that fair? No, right? I really would like to see the airlines to start implementing total weight fees rather than charging for all check-in luggages. If your total weight is 250lb or less, than no luggage fee should be applied. Fair is fair. Enough said!
Since I dont really see the airlines implementing such rules, maybe we should try finding other ways to minimise being charged for every penny and dime. Through my own experiences and suggestions from friends, here are a few ways that you could do to minimise the burn-in-the-pocket feelings when flying domestic:
1. Bring you own drinks. Buy them after you check-in.
And now American Airlines, United and US Airways are charging even your 1st check-in luggage! That is just so unacceptable and it sucks! We all know that everything is about weight so why is it that airlines are not charging according to the TOTAL weight of the passengers AND their luggage(s)? Isnt that like simple math? If they think that it's a discrimination to overweight (OW) people, what about the not OW people? They are the ones who should be shouting discrimination since logically, they are subsidising the fees of the OW people. Now, is that fair? No, right? I really would like to see the airlines to start implementing total weight fees rather than charging for all check-in luggages. If your total weight is 250lb or less, than no luggage fee should be applied. Fair is fair. Enough said!
Since I dont really see the airlines implementing such rules, maybe we should try finding other ways to minimise being charged for every penny and dime. Through my own experiences and suggestions from friends, here are a few ways that you could do to minimise the burn-in-the-pocket feelings when flying domestic:
1. Bring you own drinks. Buy them after you check-in.
2. Pack home-cooked meal.
3. If you think that your luggage is too heavy, try to fit some items in the carry-on or maybe send some items via usps to your destination. (This I know since we were charged $50 for a mere 6lb in excess weight!) Its all about weight, remember?
4. Check out Rick Seaney's airlines fee chart before you buy your tickets.
5. Pray that they're not going to charge toilet fees, ever!
