The Have’s and Have Not’s
Have you HEARD!
First some airlines started charging for anyone taking a second checked bag on flights. I thought OK, I can live with this. I never take 2 checked items except when coming back with boxes of fish from fishing in Alaska.
Then American Airlines (AA) announced they were charging for the first checked bag. This is overboard, but I can live with it I suppose. It would be nice if I knew that this would translate to lower fares for those that don’t check luggage to compensate for less work by airline employees, but I know it won’t.
All it will translate to is fatter bonuses for corporate top dogs.
Then I get this unequal treatment from American Airlines:
AAdvantage Gold® Members Are Exempt From
New Checked Baggage Fees
American Airlines
Dear Jake,
As you are probably aware, we recently announced a change to our checked baggage policy for travel on domestic economy class tickets. I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that these additional baggage fees do not apply to you. As a benefit to our valued AAdvantage Gold members, you will still be able to check two bags free of charge (within current size and weight limits). In addition, customers flying on the same reservation with you are also exempt from the new checked baggage fees. For a recap of our updated policy, and to view a list of frequently asked questions, visit the link below:
http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_US/utility/041208_CheckBagFee.jsp
Also, as an AAdvantage Gold member, you will continue to board in Group 1 when traveling in Economy Class. This should provide ample time to locate available space for your carry-on luggage, settle in and attend to business well before takeoff.
Thanks for flying with us. It’s always a pleasure to serve you.
Regards,
Rob Friedman
President
AAdvantage Marketing Programs
Do I like this? Well for me it is ok, but for the poor mothers with kids, what about them? What about others? This unequal treatment is once again breeding separate classes of citizens. Those who have, and those who don’t.
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that is crazy. They know everyone takes bags on board and they are just trying to make more money by charging people for what is usually free.
Here’s a pretty funny video (”Flying the ‘Unfriendly’ Skies) that offers some helpful — and tasty — tips for making the most of airline cutbacks and getting around the latest luggage surcharge.
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/zane/