May 21, 2008

AA = A-hole Airlines

Prediction: Inside of 18 months, we're going to have to pay to use the rest room on commercial airplanes.

If I flew more than a few times a year, I'd be really irate about this. Aw, hell. I'm irate anyway. It figures that the new fee goes into effect the very week we're flying cross-country for our first trip of the year.

I get that businesses need to charge customers more money when their own expenses go up, but why do they have to do it like this? I'd much rather pay more for the single major cost (the ticket) instead of paying for the ticket and then having to shell out 10 bucks here and 20 bucks there for ticky-tack fees. Maybe you're losing money because you keep pissing off your customers. Does anyone know if American hired executives from Sprint recently?

I'm glad I just cashed in most of my frequent flier miles on American, because after this, they can get bent.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

i agree with you on this! that's ridiculous. they want people to travel with nothing?! seriously. so stupid & annoying & just plain frustrating. another reason not to visit CA! (just kidding!)

Your escalator operator said...

I KNOW! Where am I supposed to put my hair products -- especially since they don't let you put it in the carry-on any more.
You can still fly to California -- just fly Virgin or JetBlue or Southwest or some other airline that doesn't penalize you for having one suitcase.

Loree said...

What's funny is that I didn't read this too closely at first and I thought we were seriously going to have to start paying to use the bathroom on flights. And I wasn't surprised.

But, reading more closely (and actually clicking through to the article)I think it's pretty absurd that a legacy carrier would charge for the first checked bag. That's insane.

I actually have one ticket left to cash with AA, and then I'm pretty much done with them anyway. Moving to Cincinnati has necessitated a switch to Delta (which isn't so great, either).

Your escalator operator said...

Wow, who knew Delta was still around? Well, I guess I knew ... but I thought they only flew between Atlanta and, um, Atlanta.

Loree said...

CVG (Cincinnati) is also a Delta hub, although obviously a smaller one. Also, there's that whole Delta/Northwest merger, although I have no idea how that's going to affect me. Negatively, I'm sure.

Anonymous said...

another reason to move east. i forgot to mention that in the first comment. if you were here (near your dear family) you wouldn't have to worry about traveling with enough hair products to stiffen up 100000 heads.
and, another reason (aside from traveling being a complete PITA) is that you have 2 of the cutest nephews EVER!

"Highland Park" Attorney said...

Bugs is dead on right!!! Just dont keep moving West, the airfare to Hawaii is wayyyyy too much and I would need at least 3 suitcases for that trip and I can't afford that.

Your escalator operator said...

It had occurred to me that after Rochester, Chicago and L.A., Hawaii (excuse me, Hawai'i) would be the logical next move.

Anonymous said...

you move to hawaii (i don't know how to do those fancy accents), neither highland park attorney or i will EVER visit with our families - way to expensive!!! too long of a trip with kids!!! GET A GRIP. MOVE EAST DARN IT (i realize not the best timing as you're moving this weekend anyway, but we'll get you before your next move...) or, you can realize that you've moved as far west as you can, now it's time to start again on the east coast...C'MON!

Anonymous said...

Can they pay me when they're late? When they cancel my flight?

That would be a fair trade.

Your escalator operator said...

Good idea. I'd be in favor of that.
By the way, have you thought of the arguments people are going to have fighting for overhead bin space, now that there's even more incentive to bring everything on board?