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Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Airline Travel

We all know the airlines are starting to charge for so many things we once took for granted, such as actually bringing clothes along on a vacation. Frieda is beginning to wonder what the purchase of a ticket actually covers. Why not just charge separately for everything - a boarding fee, a seat fee (which they already have to some degree), and in case you actually want to leave your airport, there would be a takeoff fee - then we have to have a landing fee, unless you want to stay airborne for your entire vacation. Then add on an additional fee for all of this to go smoothly and to actually be on time. We could also start paying for our trip by the mile - but wait, how would they do that? One would assume the shorter the distance, the less expensive the fee - BUT - it takes more fuel to take off and to land than it does to fly once the aircraft reaches altitude - so does this mean flying from New York to Los Angeles could be cheaper than flying from New York to Philadelphia? Hmmmmmmm. . . .

Frieda realizes the rising cost of fuel is hurting us all - the airlines included - jet fuel is up nearly 98% from last year this time. This means fuel is taking up 40% of the cost of the ticket price - instead of the 25% last year, according to the Air Transport Association. So, the airlines have to recoup some of this cost and that means raising the cost of airfares - yet they have to be careful to avoid prices going too high which could lead to plummeting sales. The end result is we, the consumer, get hit with all these annoying "tack-on" fees and existing fees skyrocketing - such as the carry-on fee for a small pet has gone from $15 to $100.

In an effort to try to adjust to the rising costs to the airlines, they are finding more and more ways to nickel & dime us to death in order to enjoy the comforts we once counted on when traveling by air - comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, blanket, pillows, and free luggage check-in. Of all these charges, the one Frieda really resents is the charge for the first checked bag. I'll give the airlines the charge for the 2nd checked bag (since we all tend to over pack anyway) - although I don't understand what difference it makes - that one just ends up as a carry-on, so no savings in fuel on that one! We all need a suitcase when we travel and what is the difference in adding the $15 for the first bag to the ticket or charging extra to check it - either choice is going to cause the consumer concern - one way it's hidden and the other way it's "in your face".

With all these fees, think of the runway incursions, crowded airports, late takeoffs and arrivals, and cancelled flights. Perhaps it's time to start thinking about bringing back our rail system - it's works just great in Europe for all these years.