Comments on: Is the cost of airline surcharges worth it? Yes — and no

By: Keith Hickey

Keith Hickey — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:30:29 +0000

I am an Australian and living so far from the US eventhough I haev been a OnePass member for approx 20 years, I am sure Continental would not be interested in my opinion but I have been a staunch supported of my favorite US airline since I first flew with them in the early 1980s.
In that time Continental has been through some rough times but Gordon Bethune brought it through to become a real innovator in the aviation field – a leader. I did not expect them to start charging for a passengers first bag – I believed that they would rise above that petty penny pinching of the other heritage airlines and remain as an innovator and leader in the field. I expected that by joining Star Alliance they may try to bring United and US Airways to a higher level – maybe even bring serive back but I am wrong.
Continental looks as though they are descending down to the level of the other heritage US airlines. The reason given for all these extra charges is additional costs – especially fuel. Am I wrong or has fuel dropped in price considerably lately?
Continental – I am dissapointed! I did expect better.
Lets just hope they CO might decide like United to suspend their ‘trial’ of an unpopular and totally unwanted burdon on their customers.

By: Bruce King

Bruce King — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:34:59 +0000

Southwest can and does raise prices to cover these costs because they do not show in the same websites as AA and Delta and Continental. The “legacy” airlines have to be very careful about raising prices of their fares because just $15 can push them off the all important first page of results. SW isn’t even on there, so no biggie for them.

By: Joe Farrell

Joe Farrell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:27:04 +0000

Rules of the world:

1) Southwest rarely has the lowest advance purchase fare on any route;

2) Southwest rarely has seats available at the last minute even at their non-advance purchase fares.

3) The legacy carriers are poorly managed and generally have unmotivated employees the result of their poor management.

4) No one in their right mind thinks the legacy carriers offer service, much less good service.

5) Proper grammar mandates that the topic title be: “Are the cost of airline surcharges worth it? Yes — and no.” Because the plural being modified is surcharges. . . .

By: Cliff Woodrick

Cliff Woodrick — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:51:26 +0000

If we boycott the airlines that nickel and dime you, I am sure that the decreased passenger demand would be noticed and this nickel and dime stuff would end. If the airlines would raise the fares to an honest competitive level, the passengers would be a group of happy campers. I have seen many nasty passengers who are frustrated with this stuff but they take it out on the flight attendents and passenger reps who are not responsible.

Have a wonderful day – Cliff Woodrick

By: Wrona

Wrona — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:26:09 +0000

And Continental just announced they will begin charging $15 for the first bag on October 7th.

By: Rodger Legg

Rodger Legg — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:06:15 +0000

It is like going to the Carnival , being nickel and dimes every time you turn around. You can not carry a bottle of water through security as they will take it away and then you pay a premium price for water on the other side of security. Nickel and dime, nickel and dime, only it cost more. Like a land line company’s bill. nickel and dime.

By: Matthew B

Matthew B — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:03:28 +0000

The problem I have with charging extra for food, drinks, pillows and blankets, is that it applies to all passengers seated in coach, even those one or two per flight who pay “full economy” fares. I would feel better about this if they would give those passengers some coupons at check in that could be used for food, drinks, pillows and blankets. Kind of like the drink coupons you can buy from Continental. Fortunately for me, I’ve only had to pay “full economy” once in recent years, and got an automatic upgrade to business class as a result.

By: Wrona

Wrona — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:46:45 +0000

Except that, at least for my upcoming flights, the legacy airlines are LESS expensive than Southwest even adding in all the fees.

By: SirWired

SirWired — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:21:41 +0000

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… the legacy airlines need to stop charging legacy prices if they want to offer the services of a low-cost carrier. They also need to cut out the marketing that implies their airlines provide the lap of luxury. I have no problem with airline fees, but not if they are backed with ticket prices that reflect that. The legacy airlines look pretty stupid right now charging more than Southwest while offering less service.

SirWired