American Airlines has announced that, as of June 15, it's an extra $15 to check a suitcase on one of their flights. That's for your first suitcase. They already charge $25 for a second suitcase. This does not apply to international flights or to full fare coach, business and first-class customers and AAdvantage Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum members. But it applies to most of our tickets. One can assume that most other airlines will follow the model.
One can also assume a certain amount of chaos as more people try to go the carry-on route. I don't think I've been on a flight in the last few years where the overhead bins weren't jammed to capacity, and folks had to check their carry-ons because there was no room to carry them on. So here's my question, and the first news reports of the new fee don't address this. Let's say I bring a carry-on and there's no room in the bins for it. What then? If the flight attendant says, "Sorry, sir…we'll have to check that bag," does that mean I have to pony up the fifteen bucks? Because I didn't crush and push and manage to get on the plane ahead of other people?
If the answer is yes, that'll make boarding a more cutthroat competition. If not, then let's all bring carry-ons and just check them for free at the gate. Either way, it sounds like a lot of additional problems getting the planes in the air on time.
And, uh, doesn't more carry-ons mean a longer wait at security screening points? For everyone?
American also announced they'd be cutting a number of flights…and they have some additional new fees for us. It will cost more for traveling with pets, oversized baggage and reservation services, and more to make a reservation if a human being on their payroll is involved — $20 if you use the A.A. call center reservations and $30 if you book at the airport ticket counter.
I have a feeling this will cause so many problems that the airlines will soon announce that — to serve us better — they're going to drop the fee for checked baggage and just raise ticket prices across the board to compensate. Which may be exactly how they intend this to all play out.