BEHIND THE FEES

   

"There are such things as bad profits…[fees that don't give customers a tangible value-added benefit risk coming at] the expense of the brand and loyalty. On the backs of the customer, airlines are driving profitability and I think it’s foolish. I think it's a short-term gain and will cost airlines in the long-term." - JetBlue CEO David Barger Excerpt from interview with Today In The Sky’s Ben Mutzabaugh

Is it reasonable for airlines to charge for bags, meals and other services? CLICK HERE to take the online poll at MSNBC.com

On June 22, 2009, Gary Stoller reported in USA Today’s “Struggling airlines launch more 'a la carte' fees at fliers” on the increasing practice of airlines levying fees on their customers. In the article, Stoller provides an in-depth expose’ on the growing dissatisfaction and feeling among airline passengers that they’re “being taken advantage of.” AAPR provided commentary in the article. CHARTS: Fees charged to most coach passengers

CNN has reported on the fees have mounted from U.S. airline companies over the past few years. Here are some of the most common charges -- for one-way flights -- passengers can expect to pay. CHARTS: CNN Fees Analysis

1 BAG (under 50 lbs) 2 BAGS (under 50 lbs) PET in CABIN FLT Change Fee Choice Seating (Fee based on Miles) In FLT Beverages AirTran $15 $25 $69 each way $75 YES Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Alaska Airlines No Fee $25 $100 each way $100 NO Complimentary, but No Cash American $15 $25 $100 each way $150 YES Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) British Airways No Fee No Fee Not in cabin $150 YES Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Continental $15 $25 $125 each way $150 NO Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Delta $15 $25 $150 each way $150 YES Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Frontier No Fee No Fee Not in cabin $75 NO Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) JetBlue No Fee $20 $100 each way $100 NO Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Midwest $15 $25 Fee $100 NO Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Northwest No Fee No Fee $275 flat fee $100 NO Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Southwest No Fee No Fee $75 each way No Fee NO Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic) Spirit Air -- -- -- -- -- -- USAir $15 $25 $100 each way $150 YES Complimentary (Non-Alcoholic)