UPDATE: The aircraft was an Airbus and US Airways had produced a very professional video on the merits of there new “cafe” service including $2 for coke/water and $7 for liquor/beer — again no audible gasps as the video played — unfortunately I was sitting at the front and didn’t get to see much of the reaction during the 1st service — but the crew seemed unfazed …

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Had to tell you about this while it’s still fresh in my mind.

I am now on a US Airways jet heading from Las Vegas to Dallas — but just before boarding, the gate agent made a sarcastic little speech.

He wasn’t upset with us — he was upset with his airline — and he spoke in bitter tones: “It is my very special duty to inform you that today is inauguration day’ at US Airways and what we are inaugurating is our new onboard beverage policy. You now have to pay $2 for that coke, $2 for water.”

Now, nobody booed or anything but I did see surprised and startled looks on the faces of some passengers — apparently they hadn’t heard about this new fee, and looked like they couldn’t quite believe it.

Meanwhile, the unhappy gate agent had a bit of advice for us: “Buy a drink now — you can bring it onboard if it has a lid.” Unfortunately, as we all know, finding a drink in an airport shop or cafe that costs less than $2 is hard to do.