Airlines test flyer limits with ever-growing fees [MSNBC]

[beckoa]

Originally Posted by msnbc.com

Airlines test flyer limits with ever-growing fees
Money-losing industry gets boost charging for baggage, other services
This is the conundrum airlines face as they head into the busy holiday season: How many previously free services can they force flyers to pay for without risking a revolt?
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“It’s very much a balance of what customers are asking for, in terms of entertainment, and what we need to do in terms of sustaining the airline,” said Paul Skrbec, spokesman for Delta Air Lines
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Many airlines offer fee exceptions for frequent flyers or first-class flyers, and some make allowances for other special circumstances.

For example, Alaska Airlines does not charge for the first three bags customers check for travel within the state of Alaska. Lindsey, the airline’s spokeswoman, said that’s because many Alaskan customers have no other way to get from remote villages to major shopping hubs, where they stock up on supplies and “are typically bringing everything but the kitchen sink.”
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And yes... Randy is in the article as well as FT

[Kiwi Flyer]

Oooh I want a virtual pitchfork smiley.