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October 6, 2008

Election ‘08: American Says, Vote (and Pay) for A la Carte Amenities

Filed under: Pricing Activity, American, Bags — Rick Seaney @ 11:43 am

I guess American Airlines started it all, when they decided to charge for that first checked-bag, and many others soon followed.

Now, according to an AP article, American will go to a mostly a la carte pricing structure next year - with basic service that you can “beef up” - for a price.

AA’s Tim Wagner tells us that this is a trend that’s been going “full-steam ahead” for awhile now. And we know other airlines are doing this…

In the meantime, during this election year, there are some passengers who say, I’ll vote to elect my amenities - if I want a blanket or a beverage, it’s my choice. But what about simple, first-come, first-served seat selection? Is this just another way the “Executive Branch”, i.e., the airlines, are broadening the scope of their powers - in yet another attempt to nickel and dime you.

We know you vote with your pocketbook - so tell, what’s your stand on this? How will you vote?
« TSA “Likely” to Relax Liquid Restrictions Sometime in 2009   Virgin America’s “Main Cabin Select” Arrives »

3 Comments »

  1. I’m a Frequent Flyer with AA and rack up enough miles for several free flights a year. If the unbundling is done professionally and similar to Air Canada’s method, then I would be fine with it, understanding the challenges of a new economic climate. However, if AA is just going to turn their website into a replica of Spirit or Allegiant, consider this fair warning to you, AA Executives: I will zero out my miles, cancel my AAdvantage Credit Card, and find a different airline without any delay.

    There is a reason I don’t ever use Spirit Airlines. If you want to be like them, then I will treat you just like them, also.

    Comment by Artie — October 6, 2008 @ 12:21 pm

  2. I am so so tempted to buy Southwest stock,those guys have been kickin $ for so long now, and wait till after the holidays when pax comes home and thinks over their flights they took with other airlines.. In my op, it will help the airlines in the short-term, But, in the long-run, its gonna going to cause damage. Are they thinking at all about their reputation? Do they even care anymore?

    Comment by Cliff — October 6, 2008 @ 4:42 pm

  3. Remember this? “Passengers are permitted to bring one carry-on bag for free, while each checked is charged a fee of $10.00. The airline also charges modest amounts for customers wishing food or beverages. Sodas cost $1 per can, honey-roasted peanuts and Rachel’s brownies (also $1), and a “snak-pak” (an assortment of cheeses, crackers and salami) $4.”

    It was People Express’ policy in 1983, updated for inflation, and we all know what happened by People Express. Since history repeats itself, the path for AA is clear if its sticks to its current strategy. And AA hasn’t suffered yet from the wrath of passengers having to pay $280 for their baggage on a ski trip (that’s right, it’s how much 2 measly bags plus skis will cost a college student that chose AA, a mistake he/she will never ever make again).

    Comment by Hillrider — October 6, 2008 @ 8:09 pm

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