Now it's also Continental Airlines (airport, France, price, flight)

[Marcian]

Continental to charge $15 for 1st checked bag - Breaking News From New Jersey - NJ.com

[FlightAttendant]

Airlines are operating on such a small shoestring these days that they really dont have much choice but to nickle and dime people. Because of such competition between carriers (a $5 difference often decides which airline gets the business on a $400 ticket!), we all have had to resort to these lousy tactics. Employees have taken HUGE pay and benefit cuts. THey can't get more from us so they look for other ways to increase revenues.

The oil crisis will put more of us out of business yet and that is bad for the flying public. With fewer and fewer airlines around, the ones left will be the only games in town and will freely be able to control the prices...and you know they will go nowhere but up.

[mikeyyc]

I have to fly the BS flag here.

Air France just dropped their fuel surcharges because of decreased fuel costs over the last quarter. I get the fees and charges when oil is $150, but it's now lower than its been in nearly six months.

Smells more like piling on than anything else.

[Gil3]

I read that and given the fact that I have had nothing but superb service from Continental a couple of times this summer, I am a bit disappointed. However, given the high costs of operating an airline, this was probably inevitable at some point. I'll still continue to use them.

[Gil3]

Originally Posted by FlightAttendant

Airlines are operating on such a small shoestring these days that they really dont have much choice but to nickle and dime people. Because of such competition between carriers (a $5 difference often decides which airline gets the business on a $400 ticket!), we all have had to resort to these lousy tactics. Employees have taken HUGE pay and benefit cuts. THey can't get more from us so they look for other ways to increase revenues.

The oil crisis will put more of us out of business yet and that is bad for the flying public. With fewer and fewer airlines around, the ones left will be the only games in town and will freely be able to control the prices...and you know they will go nowhere but up.

I agree..

[cb at sea]

Unless it's absolutely, positively required, EVERYONE should just STOP FLYING!!!!! That'd put a stop to this crap pretty quickly! I mean, they give you about 1 ft. of linear space per person, no luggage, no food, cancel or change your flight with impunity....it's ridiculous! If you don't HAVE to fly--just DON'T!!!!!

[FlightAttendant]

Hey CB at Sea.....right. Dont fly. Please. With that attitude, those of us who fly for a living will be happier if you do not come on and complain to us endlessly. We as flight crew have absolutely NOTHING to do with corporate policy regarding fees, yet we are the ones who take the full brunt of your ire. Yes, please...stay home or drive.

To the rest of you travelers, welcome aboard. We will sincerely try to make it a nice experience. At least I do...I actually LIKE my passengers and I care about their comfort and enjoyment of the trip.

[rfb]

Originally Posted by FlightAttendant

Airlines are operating on such a small shoestring these days that they really dont have much choice but to nickle and dime people. Because of such competition between carriers (a $5 difference often decides which airline gets the business on a $400 ticket!), we all have had to resort to these lousy tactics. Employees have taken HUGE pay and benefit cuts. THey can't get more from us so they look for other ways to increase revenues.

Then why not just raise the price of a ticket to make it cover costs? I don't mind the airlines earning enough to cover their expenses, but hate how they continue to try to hide the cost of a ticket with all these extra fees. I'd much rather know up front what I'm paying than be surprised when I start packing or when I get to the airport.

[FlightAttendant]

Here is the problem, RFB. It sure does make sense to raise the prices. However, if one brave airline tries to raise prices ..even by as little as $5 or $10...the other airlines do not. Then, as I said in an earlier post, passengers go on Orbitz or Travelocity or you name it and the passenger invariably chooses the one that is cheapest. its sort of a game of chicken with the airlines...but the end game is pretty darned serious. Unfortunately, its a no win situation without these added charges. We truly hate it too as employees.

[caligurltotx]

I say I am still getting what I pay for and that is a flight from point A to point B. So what if I don't get free pretzels or crackers, or have to pay an extra $15 to check my bag. It's just business people and any business has to do whatever it takes to stay afloat. You think the grocery stores have not raised prices? Have you seen the price of eggs or milk lately?

So what's the solution? For a major carrier to fold and put thousands of people outta work and on the unemployment lines.