What's the Next Airline Fee We'll See?
by Wendy Perrin
So I recently joined Twitter and discovered a community of global travelers (as well as assorted journalists, techies, big thinkers, etc.) who use it to connect with each other throughout the day, sharing up-to-the-minute info and tips. Since Twitter messages must be 140 characters or less, though, people need to write tight. Yesterday I posed this question to the group: If you were an airline, what's the next type of fee you'd start charging? Here are a few of the replies:
From Nerd's Eye View: "Time for some CEO salary cuts? Because seriously, what's left? A boarding fee? A check-in fee? An overhead storage-space fee?"
From AshevilleTravel: "Bathroom? (oh dear!) Hate to sent it into the universe, but they could charge for desirable seats (front of plane, window)." Actually, some airlines are already doing that.
From Delicious Baby: "I always thought they should rent the CARES harness, but I bet they're worried more people would check the car seats if they did."
From Jaunted: "I would get wifi installed asap. It's something that passengers actually want--and didn't get for free before."
What do you think the next airline fee will be? You can find a list of current fees here.
And if you'd like to "follow"--in other words, talk to--me on Twitter, my user name is wendyperrin.
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As AshvilleTravel mentioned the bathroom is a key revenue potential for the airlines. What about stationing a flight attendant at the bathroom area and charging for the use of the toilets? Better yet, they could charge for the toilet paper and soap.
Since no one will be eating the airline meals and drinks are no longer free (except first class passengers)less folks will be in need of the bathroom. Perhaps this is not such a big revenue source for the airlines, afterall?
Wait a minute, they could install a coin machine in the bathroom. Twenty five cents for every pump of soap to be dispensed. I'm sure everyone would love to be reaching for pocket change in these roomy bathroom stalls. Excuse me...can anyone break this $20 bill?
Posted by: WhataTrip | August 12, 2008 at 02:12 PM
here are some recent "of fact" changes on Delta re: a pet in cabin to europe (that I do frequently)
February 2008 $100 RT
June 2008 $200 RT
August 2008 $300 RT
And no (in case you are wondering), my dog has weighed 6.5 pounds every flight - so its not a weight gain issue! :)
Posted by: LizDuffy | August 12, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I'm pretty sure the airlines can think of many things to charge people with. However, like Jaunted, wifi access is very important to travelers.
It would also be very helpful in an emergency. When all else fails, why not twitter?!
Posted by: ecortes | August 14, 2008 at 11:32 AM
This article on airline fees is excellent and it caught my attention; surely it must have been a time consuming challenge to research all of the various fees.
We thought you might enjoy trying this Airline Fee Comparison Tool website
http://www.CompareAirlineFees.com/
Posted by: charlesgoodwin100 | August 19, 2008 at 02:09 PM