US Rep. Dan Lipinski, an Illinois Democrat, laid out his standardized allowable carry-on bags program which would require that the TSA set up templates on luggage conveyor belts and block luggage larger than 22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches.
Imagine the lucky traveler who finds that their bags measure a half inch over on the wrong dimension. Off to checked baggage hell!
Currently the airlines set their own guidelines and rules are significantly different between the various carriers and aircraft operators. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines require bags to be no larger than 45 linear inches -- height plus width plus depth. Southwest and JetBlue's Embraer jets allow 24 inches x 16 inches x 10 inches. But almost every airline is different.
Gee, do you think that some customers select an airline based on that airline’s carry on bag provisions?
Lipinski sent a spokesperson, Nathaniel Zimmer, out to say that the congressman is concerned about clarity and fairness. After all, most most airlines now charge for checked baggage.
The bottom line for travelers is that it appears that many pieces that currently would be allowed likely will not fit the proposed requirement. That means checking your bag, and as if charging $15 to check a bag weren't enough, two airlines are asking for $5 more beginning this summer if you pay at the check-in counter rather than on line. A fee on a fee? Rather than raise fares in the middle of a recession, the airlines are piling on fees to make money, or at least lose less. Fees for bags, fees to get through the line faster, even fees for certain seats.
There’s gold in them thar fees! United Airlines expects to garner $1 billion this year in fees ranging from baggage to accelerated frequent-flier awards. Incredibly, that's more than 5 percent of United’s gross revenue.
A quick lap around some fees:
• US Airways and United are both charging $5 to pay their baggage fees at the airport instead of online.
• An exit row seat on AirTran allowing you to enjoy the extra legroom is yours for $20.
• Be careful when booking on Allegiant Air. They charge a $13.50 "convenience fee" for online purchases.
• United is offering a "Premier Line" check-in for $25. It allows fliers to get through check-in and security faster and board earlier.
• But this is my favorite: Ryanair charges to check in. Thats right, check in! It's 5 euros, or about $6.75, to check in online, double for passengers who pay at the airport. Ryanair plans to eliminate airport check-in desks.
Not only that, but Ryanair has floated the idea of charging for lavatory use and sick bags. We sure hope their passengers have the right change at the right time. Hello Ralphhhh!! Is Eunice thereeee???
Many more inventive fees are on the way. The airlines are real copy cats once another carrier has shown the way. Soon you can expect to be charged for a glass of water. What a wonderful experience! And just in case you thought that the ideas for fees spring from the active imaginations of some dark back room, last month in Miami most of the big U.S. carriers and many overseas airlines attended a conference devoted to a-la-carte pricing and fees. I smell the stench of collusion!
How can you, as a traveler fight these outrages? Refuse. That’s right. Don’t do it! You can fly Air2Air which will really teach them a lesson. Or, you can book full fare travel on days you would like to visit the airport and then refuse the fees and walk away. Or, you can send letters to the carriers who are attempting to charge these ridiculous fees. Or, you can find out what the fees are, avoid them and then scream bloody murder to anyone who will listen. Good luck!
Airlines say fees are part of "a la carte" pricing that allows them to hold the line on fares. Rather than charge higher fares to everyone, they say, passengers can pick and choose the extras they want to pay for.
Well, here at Air2Air we say “Hooey!” And we are serious. We don’t care what size your bag is, if we can fit it safely into the airplane, we will. We always have beverages and snacks for you and if you would like a meal catered, we will do that also. No fees for parking or driving right up to the plane. No extra fees, no hassle, no problem.
