United: no warning, whatsoever
June 13, 2008
*sigh* So after my rant about American’s decision, United has decided to follow suit and charge for the first piece of luggage as well.
Kacie has a good point: Southwest just plans to fly a little bit slower and save money that way; I wonder if these other airlines can’t or won’t follow suit because they’re so frequently late anyway that they can’t afford to spend time instead of gas?
And perhaps it’s simply easier and quicker to charge the customer extra than it is to implement gas efficient solutions? It seems to me that it’s smarter to reduce the requirements for gas, since the price-related scarcity is the root of the problem, than it is to simply wring another fifteen to forty bucks out of customers who may be able to choose to fly less frequently as a result of the increased costs. Yes, I sure do have a stake in saying that, but I also like to have more than one solution to a problem, especially such a major one. Sure they’ll have to raise prices to compensate as well, but let’s look at the overall picture, not just the most obvious, glaring issue.
Personally, I’m looking at alternatives to traveling with either of these airlines when I have a choice, though I don’t have a say when it comes to business travel. Since all expenses are paid for business trips, I suppose I don’t have to take it as personally, and continue to be a super-condensed packer.
You would think that the airlines would look into biodiesel fuel for the airplanes.I can’t believe all of these industries are stick it to us with these poor decion making. That is why I haven’t plan any trips. I wanted to go to MOA in Minnesota, but I rather drive than tohave them break the stuff that I buy (ATA did that in 99). Why do they get off on charging so much when half the time they lose your luggage.
@Beautiful: Virgin Atlantic has looked into biofuel already.
The major airlines may have already slowed down back when fuel prices went to $3+. SWA hedges their fuel which is allowing them to not raise fares.
Part of the reason the UA and AA run late is because they fly into the major congested airports like O’Hare and NY’s; SWA utilizes the smaller Midway and Islip.
SWA also has different work rules than other carriers. Their pilots fly a bit more, the flight crews can help clean the aircraft. They also do not have assigned boarding which definitely helps them board quicker (but I really dislike no assigned seating).