Okay, the Daily Mail picked up a story from Rochester, New York, about a son who flew to see his terminally ill father. While he was there the father died. The son wanted to stay for the funeral but couldn't, because Continental was going to charge him almost $700 total to change two tickets.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ge-flight.html

Okay, I suspect I know what's going on here. It's the holidays. The flights are full as can be. This man is wanting to change his return to San Antonio to Dec. 22 or 23, so his fare bucket is going to be more expensive that the one he currently holds. So not only is there a change fee, but he is expected to pay a higher fare. There's really nothing unreasonable about that.

I understand the story about the three women being thrown off the Airtran flight being newsworthy. But the new media seem to find each and every story about people who can't get on a plane to be front page news, whether it's because they are too obese, have unruly children or just can't pay the fare. I just can't figure out why these types of stories continue to make international news. And why the airlines aren't able to a better job in defending themselves when interviewed.

Oh, and for what it's worth, should Continental have waived the change fee? I say no.