US Airways

[Kauai Kid]

These turkeys are now going to charge you $25 to check a second suitcase.

[Luanne]

Sounds like the lineup behind United is starting.

[Carolinian]

US and UA are alliance partners, after all.

But more ominous is DL's new quietly implemented policy that started a few weeks ago of adding a $200+ surcharge on trans-Atlantic award tickets originating in Europe. According to a conversation I had with their revenue desk, they plan to take this system wide in the future.

I would much rather pay $25 for a second suitcase than $200 extra for an award ticket.

As to US Airways issues, there is a very involved group of frequent flyers there which has been succesful in backing them down on some of their anti-consumer measures. Check out www.ffocus.org

[JeffW]

Tough feelings on this. I general, I don't think anyone likes new charges, especially selective ones that previously weren't charged for.

On the other hand, if airlines are going to try to raise more revenue, is this one really that painful? I think USAirways said that between eliminated those with FF status, first class, military, and those checking medical gear, maybe 8% of travelers would be affected. I don't think that's too bad. The alternative could be the $10-$20 'fuel surcharges' they try to add on periodically, which affect EVERY passenger.

It still amazes me that fuel is running $100/barrel, yet the base airfares are similar to was being charged 5+ years ago. I think the reality is that airlines just can't find a way to increase fares without risking having passengers go to other airlines. All these less obvious charges are probably their way around it.

Jeff

[x3 skier]

Originally Posted by Carolinian

US and UA are alliance partners, after all.

But more ominous is DL's new quietly implemented policy that started a few weeks ago of adding a $200+ surcharge on trans-Atlantic award tickets originating in Europe. According to a conversation I had with their revenue desk, they plan to take this system wide in the future.

Might have started by using the Dutch and British long haul departure taxes as a cover. Surprised they didn't blame them first.

Cheers

[Carolinian]

In the lengthy conversation with Delta, going through about 5 people until the revenue desk finally told me the truth that it was a purely Delta surcharge and had nothing to do with any national tax or any other airline, I was given various attempts at run around. One of them, with the woman's voice modulation suggesting that she was reading a script, did try to claim that it was because France had enacted a huge new tax like the ''save the planet'' air ticket taxes of the UK and now Netherlands. If was when I told her point blank that I knew for a fact that was not the case, that I was finally passed to the revenue desk where I was finally told the truth.

When I think that these Delta pirates are trying to take over Northwest, where most of my miles are, it makes me want to retch.

[Ann-Marie]

I think this whole charge is going to backfire into people carrying carry on luggage. My hubby and I never carry on luggage. We always check 3 bags bewteen us. So now, we will just have to bring one full of clothes as a carry on. I am going to purchas another carry on pience of luggage so if needed, we can bring on 2.

[Luanne]

Originally Posted by Ann-Marie

I think this whole charge is going to backfire into people carrying carry on luggage. My hubby and I never carry on luggage. We always check 3 bags bewteen us. So now, we will just have to bring one full of clothes as a carry on. I am going to purchas another carry on pience of luggage so if needed, we can bring on 2.

It will probably end up being a Catch-22, as there will still be a limit on the size of carry-ons, and if the overheard bins get filled up, folks who board late will still have to check bags. I wonder if those who have to "gate check" will be charged?

[Carolinian]

I try to fly with only carryons when I can. I hate to turn my bags over to the baggage mishandlers and luggage throwers employed by the airlines. Too many times when I have done so, it has come back damaged. With only carryons, I can get out of the airport quicker without having to stand around waiting at a carosel.

I really was put out by the terrorism inflicted on passengers by our new security authorities who cut the old 2 carryon limit down to one. With two carryons, I could take a suit bag and a regular carryon and have plenty of space for a 10-day trip, and not have to hassle with checked luggage.

The recent hero of those of us who prefer to only carryon our luggage in European LCC EasyJet, which now has the most generous carryon allowance of any airline I know of. They have essentially waived the weight limit as long as one person can heft it into the overhead without assistance. EasyJet does charge for all checked luggage, but I would trade that anyday for more relaxed requirements on carryons.

[geoffb]

Originally Posted by Luanne

I wonder if those who have to "gate check" will be charged?

That would be difficult to do, and expensive if the aircraft needs to close the doors and push back.

Which means it is a potential loophole... some people would try to get through security with an oversize carry on and then let them gate check it for free.

[ownsmany]

I fly usair all the time. We do carry on's only. We have been fortunate to almost always have room for our cargo overhead. Now I'm afraid the overhead bins will be packed.

I am happy the air fares have not risen too much. If fares go thru the roof, it's less air travel for us.

I'm ok with the $25 fee .

[JeffW]

Originally Posted by geoffb

That would be difficult to do, and expensive if the aircraft needs to close the doors and push back.

Which means it is a potential loophole... some people would try to get through security with an oversize carry on and then let them gate check it for free.

Most airlines had had carryon 'sizers' ("if you can't fit your carryon bag in this, it's too big...") for years. There's no reason they couldn't enforce those rules, though for appearances sake, I wouldn't do it at the same time they start the $25 2nd bag fee.

I also don't see them charging to 'gate check' a bag. As Geoffb pointed out, the clock is ticking for them to the the passengers and baggage secure, so they can pull away from the gate, and take off. It's one thing now to have your carryon become checked because there's no more room. If someone told me I'd have to pay $25 for it as well, you can be sure I'm going to look thru every overhead compartment, rearranging bags as I see fit, to see if I can make room for mine. That doesn't facilitate a speedy takeoff.

There are pluses and minuses to every decision. For USAirways, the plus is the hope that they will see increased revenue. The minus is the reaction they will receive, plus the realization that they'll probably lose some passengers to other airlines (which don't have the 2nd bag fee), as well as perhaps more gate checked bags as carryon use increase. I just see them having to accept and live with this.

Jeff

[Ann-Marie]

Our daughter and SIL are meeting us in Scotsdale in April. They are flying US Air. My SIL wants to play golf, and now he is thinking that is going to cost him $50 plus the cost of the golf fees unless he can pack for a week in a carry on.

[azsunluvr]

Really, how often does everyone in your party need to check 2 bags? Even for a week's travel, we can each check one. Now the golf bag scenario does present a problem. But a couple can pack for 2 in a large suitcase and keep it under 50lbs and then check the clubs. I don't see it affecting me, except as mentioned in the overhead bin crowding.

[Luanne]

Originally Posted by azsunluvr

Really, how often does everyone in your party need to check 2 bags?

We do this when taking dd back and forth to school. Since she flies from the west coast to the east coast many times she will have two checked bags. And at the beginning of the school year dh and I would sometimes check a second bag, full of her stuff.

[Kauai Kid]

If one person in the party is handicapped it will be tough to get a wheel chair and a shower chair aboard with one suitcase.

[mariawolf]

I agree that this is going to burden the carry on situation and also delay planes even more as flight attendants struggle to fill overheads.
Also the thing that really sucks is that business travelers who likely have premier status don't usually travel with multiple bags--it is the vacationers who bring extra stuff like snorkel equipment. kids beach toys etc.
I made reservations to St Thomas one day before the new rules went into effect and I will be sure to bring the date of my reservation with me so I can still travel w/two bags.

[geoffb]

Originally Posted by Kauai Kid

If one person in the party is handicapped it will be tough to get a wheel chair and a shower chair aboard with one suitcase.

That is not really a concern since devices required for a medical condition are exempt from the policy.

But it would probably be prudent to ask in advance what is covered by that policy.

[Ann-Marie]

I have to say that large size people have it harder. My DH used to wear a size 3X, and a size 13 EEEE shoe!! Now, come on. The shoes alone weigh twice as much as the average persons shoes!! It's not fair!