As far as airline fees go, it probably doesn’t get any more absurd than this: The fee for Christy Lynn Wilson’s miniature-schnauzer mix to fly under her seat on Delta Air Lines is $300 — $28 less than her airfare.
Wilson attacks the fee in a newspaper editorial, echoing the sentiments of another pet owner I recently wrote about in my blog.
Delta’s customer service department didn’t offer a satisfactory explanation for the doggie fee.
I contacted Delta’s customer service department to try to ascertain how the company rationalized this ridiculousness. Here is the answer I received:
“Due to the rapidly changing competitive and economic environment, Delta has changed various fees and charges. These changes will make our fee structure more in-line with other airlines and also address our increasing cost pressures. These fee changes are all in accordance with general industry practices.”
Translation? All the other airlines are gouging pet owners so we can, too.
Well, at least she didn’t get this non-answer, which was sent to passenger Richard Grove when he asked about the $300 he’d have to pay for his cat.
I apologize for the poor impression and for your frustration with the replies you received below.
I can understand why you would be unhappy that the price has doubled since you last traveled. Also, it makes sense to me that you want to share your feelings on this matter. I appreciate you letting us know how you feel. Delta makes every effort to provide the highest possible standard of service in all areas of our operation, and I am sorry that we did not meet your expectations on this occasion.
Wilson thinks the fees are bound to get worse.
Perhaps those of you who bring a laptop on board will soon be charged a “technology accommodation” fee. Those of you with a little extra girth should be on the lookout for a “seatbelt extension fee.” And lefties, can an “irregular handedness charge” be far behind?
So Delta, please stop the madness. Someone’s got to be a voice for sanity in airline fees. Why not you?
I’m afraid Wilson is howling at the moon. To paraphrase Sherlock Holmes, Delta is listening, but it does not hear.
