Passengers say they miss luggage-inclusive airfares the most

[marmar]

It's been more than two years since most major airlines "unbundled" their fares and began charging passengers for the first checked bag. And although air travelers are now paying more for their luggage than ever -- $2.7 billion last year, compared with just $1.1 billion in 2008 -- they are deeply unhappy about it, according to a new poll.

A survey of more than 1,000 travelers by the Consumer Travel Alliance suggests air travelers are more upset about the checked luggage charges than any other airline fee. Asked what they missed the most about air travel, 56 percent said it was the ability to check their first bag without paying extra. Roughly 20 percent said they missed meals, and slightly fewer -- 19 percent -- missed the ability to make a confirmed seat reservation. About 5 percent of respondents missed the free pillows and blankets.

"It's almost impossible for the casual traveler to go without luggage, or even the road warriors who have to stay over several nights," says Robin Edelston, a frequent traveler from Cos Cob, Conn. "And charging for checked luggage encourages people to cram stuff into the overhead bins when the airlines should be encouraging people to stow it in cargo."

Airlines have used these and other surcharges, such as ticket change fees, to return to profitability. Last week, for example, US Airways president Scott Kirby said his airline expects to bring in $500 million in so-called "ancillary" fees this year, recording a net profit of between $450 million to $475 million.

"A la carte revenues represent 100 percent of that profitability," he said. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/orl-travel-troubleshooter-3-121510,0,818812.column

[ixion]

1. I miss my civil liberties the most

screw the luggage charge.

[mimitabby]

2. not me, I miss the fun of flying

[Richard D]

3. I hate to say it . . .

. . . foreign airlines are so much better now.

[Statistical]

4. Why pay? It is easy to opt out (and fly pro-union airline).

[skepticscott]

5. Sure, if Southwest flies

to and from where you're interested in, which it often doesn't, and if you're traveling alone and don't care where you sit.

And in the end, nothing is really free. You pay one way or another.

[Statistical]

6. Well Southwest doesn't fly everywhere but if you want to sit where you want simply board first.

Your boarding number is in the order of your check-in so rather than checking in at the gate, do a online self check-in 24 hours before you flight (almost guaranteed to be in the first 1/4th of boarders)

Alternatively you can purchase $10 Early Bird check-in. Sure it is $10 but it is optional and still much cheaper than paying $50 to $100 per bag.

[SheilaT]

7. I'm not only old enough

to remember when "Getting there was half the fun", but back in the day I was an airline employee, and so not only flew for free, or nearly so, but usually got boarded in first class. Sigh.