Flying United to DC16? Better pack lightly or have a padded wallet...

[bluknight]

... because United just announced (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/AQM07804022008-1.htm) a $25 surcharge for a "Second Bag" on domestic flights, unless you're a premier member in their Mileage Plus programs.

[mouseling]

Damn! Now all the airlines are going to start doing this. Ever notice how expensive it is to be poor?

-mouse

[Thorn]

Damn! Now all the airlines are going to start doing this. Ever notice how expensive it is to be poor?

-mouseWhat I really want find out (first hand) is there is a corollary of "is it inexpensive to be rich?"

So far the progress in that direction has been, um, slow.

[DJ Jackalope]

southwest is doing something similiar also.

[DaKahuna]

Thank goodness for business related travel - Now if only they would put a Red Carpet Club in Las Vegas. -- United Premier member.

[Grifter]

Yeah I heard this on the radio today. It sucks but it's a way for them to offset the cost of rising fuel prices without jacking up ticket prices. I pack really light all the time, so no worries here.

[shrdlu]

Yeah I heard this on the radio today. It sucks but it's a way for them to offset the cost of rising fuel prices without jacking up ticket prices. I pack really light all the time, so no worries here.

This is the kind of thing that has pushed me into renting a car, and driving, in preference to flying. I'm glad to be able to take two days to get somewhere, rather than just having a full day sucked down into the evil of flying, and having *everything* that I wanted with me. I don't have to worry about searches, or having my nice, unwrinkled clothes looking like the bargain bin at the Goodwill.

I remember deciding to spend the weekend in SF. I called the airlines (Aircal; I REALLY miss Aircal), got two seats, called the hotel, got a room, barely made it to the flight (they were about to close the door, and *three* hours after I decided I wanted to be in SF, there I was (I was in SoCal, so 50 minute flight). Piece of cake.

Now? Last minute purchases are guaranteed to get you a body cavity search, you HAVE to be there 30 minutes prior, or you don't get on the plane, nothing ever leaves on time, nothing ever arrives on time, and you're lucky if your luggage arrives with you. Forget about carrying it on.

I confess I'm considering a 3-day drive, now, as less unpleasant than flying.

[astcell]

Why don't they go by WEIGHT instead of QUANTITY?

[theprez98]

Why don't they go by WEIGHT instead of QUANTITY?

They already do. If you're over xx pounds, you pay more.

[beakmyn]

You know 18 bottles* of beer would fit into duffel back and be under the 50lb limit. Now how am I gonna mule back Fat Tire?


Actually 24 would fit but there's a shipping & handling charge

[bluknight]

This is the kind of thing that has pushed me into renting a car, and driving, in preference to flying. I'm glad to be able to take two days to get somewhere, rather than just having a full day sucked down into the evil of flying, and having *everything* that I wanted with me. I don't have to worry about searches, or having my nice, unwrinkled clothes looking like the bargain bin at the Goodwill.

[...]

I confess I'm considering a 3-day drive, now, as less unpleasant than flying.

Living in Montana, I'm about an 8-hour drive (550 miles) from the closest major city (Denver, near where I grew up actually). As such, I find it much more convenient to eat the mileage and the time and drive down there as well, even for just a weekend, unless I need to be 'there in a hurry'. And, unfortunately, I have much the same reasons as you, shrdlu. WTF happened to actually getting SERVICE out of public servants?

Of course, i'm still looking at flying to con, just because sucking the extra time out for driving may not be an option this summer. Lots of busy stuff at work. Convenience and necessary expedience winning out over private liberty sucks.

[beakmyn]

It's almost cheaper to Fedex your luggage overnight.

It used to be 2 bags per ticketed passenger up to 50lbs each, for most airlines.

[bluknight]

It's almost cheaper to Fedex your luggage overnight.

It used to be 2 bags per ticketed passenger up to 50lbs each, for most airlines.

It still is for some. I think it's kind of a ripoff in the name of profits myself, but what can you do, eh?

[enven]

Its a complete rip off! United is a piece of shit airline anyway, if most know the hassle it is to get their bags in the first place from them, then the pricing of extra baggage will be even more outrageous...

What I want to know is how ticket sales been; it is of course a demand to fly, not always a luxury - but business. It seems that the new fee's will create more unrest for frequent flyer's and even more for those who rarely fly.

I for one will be flying out this year to Defcon from California because the gas prices are probably going to total out to a round trip plane ticket. Thankfully I like walking, so this won't be the issue...Just finding the hotel early is what I'll need initially...Perhaps Riviera, perhaps the Wynn, or even the Hilton. Packing light is key, so now its one pair of pants, two shirts, three pairs of undies, and a few pairs of socks. My laptop, and a little room for any purchasing; so a mid sized camera-skate bag will do me well, that is certain.

[azpyroguy]

I am driving this year as well, this will be my 4th con. Its only roughly a 5hr drive from Phoenix area if you drive the speed limit :evil:

As I will be up there for both BH and DC, and typically a flight and car runs me around $400-500, I can make the drive for well under that.

[0x58]

Last time I was flying Swiss over to Switzerland I was allowed two bags of 75 pounds each, and two carry on items.

[enven]

Last time I was flying Swiss over to Switzerland I was allowed two bags of 75 pounds each, and two carry on items.



Funny you mentioned that, I did the same when I flew swiss air; I had an incident on swiss air w/ my laptop being pegged as an improvised explosive...But they managed to figure out it was speculation...The Swiss are kind people.

[theprez98]

US Airlines is following suit, they announced today they will now start charging $25 for a second checked bag. Not surprisingly, "preferred" status and First Class customers won't have to pay.

[theprez98]

It seems that charging for extra bags isn't the only way the airlines plan to get more money!
The head of JetBlue Airways Corp. said Tuesday the low-cost carrier expects to boost its noncore revenue by 60 percent this year, in part by charging passengers extra for more legroom.
Article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080319/ap_tr_ge/jetblue_new_revenue;_ylt=ArqsDygsLpSPpIUJVgzKequs0 NUE)

[DaKahuna]

It seems that charging for extra bags isn't the only way the airlines plan to get more money!



United has been doing that for a while, or at least use to. You could select at the self service checking machine if you wanted to pay for extra leg room or upgrade your seat.

[0x58]

I believe the company is EasyJet in Europe, not sure though. Anyway they give you a boarding pass, without a seat number on it what so ever. People board as they come, first come first serve.

Well I hear you say, what incentive is there to move to the back of the plane? Here is the cool thing, the further back you sit in the airplane, the more leg room you get. It is in your best interest to be there first and sit all the way in the back. This way the plane gets filled faster as well, since more people will want to sit in the back. No more parents with 5 kids blocking the entire walkway because they have to stow luggage and jackets. Instead they head back, and everyone else can get seated as well.

[azpyroguy]

Well.. I may not be making it to DC16 now, the company I work for just pulled the rug from under me, took away all our training time and funding, so no BH or DC.. unless I can talk them into giving me the time off to drive up on Thursday night...and come back Sunday sometime...

[Wing]

In related news, if you plan to fly American, pack lightly - the first checked bag is now charged as well, unless you're flying first class or on a frequent flier voucher.

What's that leave? Charging for carryon?

[TheCotMan]

Where is your imagination?
They could:
* Charge by bag weight, height, clothing, and possibly human-weight until discrimination issues arise
* Charge for all food, snacks, drinks and lunches,
* Charge for use of the bathroom until some watchdog groups files a protest
* Charge you every time you press that call-button or call a stewardess
* Charge more for the seats near the front, near the aisle, next to the window
* Charge you for not wearing your seatbelt when they say you are supposed to.
* Charge you for standing up when you are not supposed to
* Charge you for the in-flight movies, even when the movies suck
* Charge you a "landing fee"
* Charge you a "take-off" fee
* Charge you for "crash-free flights"
* Then apply several taxes to all new charges.

In short, they will do whatever we, the consumers let them do. Until the charges are so great that we choose not to fly, or not to fly with the charge-happy carrier(s), they will continue to find ways to make a profit; after all is said and done, profit is their job.

[Wing]

* Charge for all food, snacks, drinks and lunches,
Several airlines already do.

* Charge for use of the bathroom until some watchdog groups files a protest
Yes please.

* Charge you every time you press that call-button or call a stewardess
As long as they don't charge me every time they wake me up to offer me a drink.

* Charge more for the seats near the front,
They already do

near the aisle, next to the window
In other words, discount the seat in the middle. I might consider sitting there, in that case.

* Charge you for not wearing your seatbelt when they say you are supposed to.
Yes please.

* Charge you for standing up when you are not supposed to
Yes please.

* Charge you for the in-flight movies, even when the movies suck
Some airlines already do (but the movies are optional)

* Charge you a "landing fee"
* Charge you a "take-off" fee
* Charge you for "crash-free flights"
Isn't that what "airfare" means?

* Then apply several taxes to all new charges.
You mean administrative fees, not taxes.

[theprez98]

Despite the fact that other airlines claim they will not follow American with this fee, they inevitably will. Once one airline does it, it makes it all the easier for the others to follow.

[JonM]

...and United and US Air have fallen in line:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004474364_united13.html


United Airlines and US Airways will follow rival American Airlines in charging $15 each way for a first checked bag.

United says its fee affects customers who buy economy-class coach tickets beginning today for domestic flights starting Aug. 18. The new policy will not apply to premium members of the airline's frequent-flier program, business- or first-class or international travelers.

United is increasing the fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling to $125 from $100, or to $250 from $200, depending on the item.

US Airways said its new fee will go into effect for tickets booked after July 9. It will also start charging coach passengers $2 for nonalcoholic drinks starting Aug. 1.

[theprez98]

The next likely fee is paying more for specific seats.

[goathead]

I would pay extra for a cage or restraint system to keep the kiddos from hanging over the back of thier seats.

The experience of flying has degraded significantly in the last decade. The travel process is burdensome and the environment is hostile. With these additional costs, flying is the least appealing method of travel to me. Granted that it is necessary at times, but this last additional cost has me rethinking both my personal and family travel/vacation plans.

The train is slow, but theres AC outlets for gadgets, time, and less process poor stormtroopers.

[theprez98]

This is not new, but more relevant every day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSJwzYiB_Pc

[theprez98]

Despite the fact that other airlines claim they will not follow American with this fee, they inevitably will. Once one airline does it, it makes it all the easier for the others to follow.

...and United and US Air have fallen in line:

I hate being right. :wink:

[TheCotMan]

The train is slow, but theres AC outlets for gadgets, time, and less process poor stormtroopers.

Good points, and when was the last time you were on a train and asked to turn off all electronic equipment before takeoff and landing because of FAA regulations?

And some trains still include a food/beverage car so you can get out of your seat to get what you want, on-demand, instead of waiting for someone to come to you on their time, on their schedule.

[theprez98]

I'm riding the train up to NYC for HOPE.

[JonM]

The next likely fee is paying more for specific seats.

US Airways has been doing that for a couple months now:

http://www.usairways.com/awa/Content/FAQs/choiceseats.aspx

What are Choice Seats?

Starting May 7, 2008, Choice Seat assignments on the aisle or window in the first several rows of the Coach cabin will be available for as little as $5 per flight. Passengers may select a Choice Seat during Web Check-in (from 24 hours and up to 90 minutes before departure.)


And United has made you pay extra for more leg room for years. With their stock "Economy" seats, my knees brush the seat in front of me, and I'm a hare under 6 feet. An extra $34 gets you an "Economy Extra" seat, with reasonable leg room.

It's all a race to the bottom. Everyone's fighting to force each other into bankruptcy. To the victor goes the spoils, in the form of increased fares.

-Jon

[Ne0nRa1n]

US Airways will start charging $2 for non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda and juice, in August. Probably the days of free drinks in economy class are numbered.

Does anyone know what airlines in America are already doing this? I am trying to avoid fees, but it is getting really hard to find an airline that doesn't charge you for every tiny thing.

[0x58]

I don't think there is a way to avoid the fees anymore. You can't bring your own drinks like you used to be able to, which to me is insane, and thus they can charge you whatever they think is fair.

[TheCotMan]

I don't think there is a way to avoid the fees anymore. You can't bring your own drinks like you used to be able to, which to me is insane, and thus they can charge you whatever they think is fair.

Actually, I think you can bring on-board food and drinks if they are purchased after the check-point. (This was mentioned when I was at Dulles and Charlette.) Of course, the store prices in the space after the security checks are not cheap either, and this may be different from one airline to another.

[hydruh]

The general idea is that drinks are 100% allowed through the gate, just not through the security checkpoint. I have had to toss out my son's juice a number of times already, and he is not even three yet.

There is a study out there (unofficial of course) of the price delta between inside and outside the gate. 20 oz coke from Sam's Club: $0.56. Before security gate inside airport: $1.95. After security inside airport: $3.50. Something like that - of course I can't find the link.

[goathead]

Actually, I think you can bring on-board food and drinks if they are purchased after the check-point. (This was mentioned when I was at Dulles and Charlette.) Of course, the store prices in the space after the security checks are not cheap either, and this may be different from one airline to another.

Indeed, the secure beverages are more expensive but the peace of mind is priceless...

Although last time I was at a checkpoint, I chugged my remaining redbulls because I just did not want to toss the money away without the opportunity to consume them. Although they really shouldnt let people do that because I don't think that people who chug 3-4 redbulls should be allowed on a flight without restraints. The crazy eyes and the sweating bullets would be a huge red flag to me if I was gaging travelers' dispositions.

So back on track, people trying to avoid the additional baggage costs will likely be trying to bring the maximum carry-on size/qty which is just hellish for everyone else entering and exiting the plane.

[LosT]

I wonder what they would charge me to fly with the mystery boxes this year... :)

1057

[0x58]

I wonder what they would charge me to fly with the mystery boxes this year... :)

1057

Well, how much do they weigh? And will they fit in one or two suitcases?

[[Syntax]]

I had some issues last year at the airport, where they said one bag was over weight, but the other wasnt, they made me shift my contents from one bag to another bag to even them out, I was carrying all the Toxic BBQ shirts along with my regular luggage.

I ended up getting them all sorted out where I wasnt charged an additional fee, but the delay in getting to the security line which they were strictly checking that day caused me to miss my flight.

Any non personal stuff will get FedEx'd this year.

[astcell]

With luggage fees it may be cheaper to ship the boxes out there via ups!