Skyway robbery
Packing light pays.
American Airlines has joined other major U.S. carriers in charging a fee for checking a second bag on domestic flights -- something that used to be free. Charges range from $25-$50 for the second bag, depending on the airline. Some lowcost carriers, such as Spirit and Europe's easyJet, already charge for checking even the first bag (at Spirit, $10). And expect to pay more for oversized bags - such as surf boards and golf clubs -- as well as any bag weighing over 50 pounds.
It's worth noting that some fees are waived for premium fliers. For instance, American still lets its gold and platinum-level frequent fliers bring a second bag for free.
More costly news: Most airlines have also upped the cost of changing a ticket and reintroduced the dreaded Saturday-night stay requirement for the lowest fares. Airlines are also charging hefty fuel surcharges, and American is charging $20 to book a flight in person at the airport.
To get the full cost of your air ticket, you'll need to go all the way through the online booking process. Like taxes, most surcharges aren't disclosed up front with the fare, and when they are, the print is miniscule.
miamiherald.com
Comments
It is incredulous that no Authority of any stature in the World is taking note of the haphazard way that Airlines go on 'topping' up their charges from fuel tax; airport tax; airport toilet tax; Express Rail Link tax even if you did not use the rail service as is the case in Malaysia, pee tax; toilet paper tax; excess baggage tax etc - and leaving the travelling public to sort out the fray.
Is this NOT called cheating in some countries if you hide the actual total cost of the ticket and the ram the whole cost down your throat when you are hooked 'line and sinker'.
Something is wrong somewhere that no National or International Governmental body is attempting to have look at this 'comedy' which those in power in the Airlines are looking at with glee. Are passengers to continue to be victims of the Airlines hoodwinking them on the fares. I did read somewhere that the court ordered a certain Airline to publish the total air fare and charges and nor fleece the passenger at the end. It may perhaps been in Scotland or Ireland - I am not sure.
Is it not time that the NGOs the world over who fight for so many sorts of 'Rights' make the airline slaughter an issue which also affects 'Human Rights'.
If the full and final fare is known, we will then have the choice of travelling by an alternate mode or accepting the airline total fare or cancelling our travel plans altogether. In fact there are so many sights in our own lands that we do not bother to see but are seen by foreign tourists. The time has come to keep travel within our backyard and use the Internet for all forms of communication including conversation.
Let there be LIGHT.
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