According to a USA Today article this morning,
In the first six months of this year, the airlines collected $3.8 billion for checking bags, canceling or rebooking flights, carrying pets and assigning seats, the latest data from the Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics show. That's up from $2.3 billion for the first half of 2008.
That is $1.5 billion dollars more than the same period last year. And this is only for 6 months. Unbelievable. The article further states,
Checked-bag fees are the most lucrative source of extra money. Revenue from them was $669 million in April, May and June alone, up 276% over what they brought in the same time last year. In the first six months of the year, airlines collected $1.24 billion in baggage fees.
Okay ladies and gentlemen. It is time to take a stand. For the next 6 months, let's not check any bags through the airlines. Unless, of course, they are kind enough to allow checked bags at no cost. For all those carriers that insist on charging $10, $15, $20 and even $25 per bag, let's send them the message and reduce their ridiculous profits for the next 6 months. I think they need to realize that we don't deserve to be treated this way.
It is time for the passengers to have a voice. The airlines are becoming like the credit card companies. They prey on the very people that create their success. I think that it is disrespectful for airlines to do this to their customers, but as long we allow them, they will continue. Effective immediately, no more checked luggage. Hand carries only. For the next 6 months or until the airlines get the message. Safe travels.
I promise not to take any additional bags whenever I travel via airlines. I believe that is the only way to get the message across. Ofcourse, that's easy for me because I normally travel light. I'll go one step further and make it a point to encourage others to follow suite too.
ReplyDeletefunny cause when i travel i have a small duffle bag that fits about three days clothes inside. there's laundry mats where you're going right! the best part is that it fits right under the airlines seat.
ReplyDeleteYou can also vote with your feet. Check baggage fees for airlines before you buy your ticket. Once or twice, I found that the ticket I thought was more expensive, was actually cheaper considering all the fees.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe the airline industry greed. People will start taking only hand carry bags and soon they will be making new rules regarding hand carry bags. I just hope that doesn't happen but we are at the airlines mercy to get off this island and go anywhere.
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