AMR-huge domestic fleet capacity reduction, $15 fee first checked bag... (consol)
May 21, 2008, 8:22 am
#31
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Actually, I would argue that Southwest started this trend, of course they started charging for the third bag and all the legacies moved to start charging for the second bag shortly after that announcement, they didn't want to be seen as offering the same type of service as WN I guess.
May 21, 2008, 8:22 am
#32
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I understand the lag effect of not being able to raise prices as fast as costs go up but the high cost of fuel is a condition that over time will impact all maket participants equally and i would think the fares should go up to reflect this increase in the cost of doing business. I guess they think the demand won't be there at the higher fares.
May 21, 2008, 8:25 am
#33
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mike
May 21, 2008, 8:25 am
#34
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May 21, 2008, 8:25 am
#35
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"
Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag."
bold added for emphasis
May 21, 2008, 8:27 am
#36
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But why don't 1 or 2 airlines try it and see? To me this is basic business. Raise prices until demand slows/stops. That is the only way I can see any of the airlines finding the "true" price point, we as consumers, are willing to pay. If all flights are full now, prices are too low and need to be raised immediately.
May 21, 2008, 8:27 am
#37
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Wow.
I'll guess that US Air, United or both follow suit within 5 days. That will lead to a match by all the majors, except Southwest who will launch a new advertising campaign about how the other airlines nickel and dime you to death....
I haven't checked a bag in years for business travel, but as a parent who needs to often check a bag AND a car seat, this will hit traveling familles the hardest.
I don't remember which Flyertalker has the signature I'm thinking of, but as they put is so well: "This game is not as fun as it used to be."
I'll guess that US Air, United or both follow suit within 5 days. That will lead to a match by all the majors, except Southwest who will launch a new advertising campaign about how the other airlines nickel and dime you to death....
I haven't checked a bag in years for business travel, but as a parent who needs to often check a bag AND a car seat, this will hit traveling familles the hardest.
I don't remember which Flyertalker has the signature I'm thinking of, but as they put is so well: "This game is not as fun as it used to be."
May 21, 2008, 8:28 am
#38
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lets see what happens after Southwests brilliant fuel hedge comes off, me thinks may be a tad tough for them to keep the streak alive
May 21, 2008, 8:28 am
#39
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Hmmm... first the updated baggage policy for Eagle, then this announcement.
I wonder how AE will deal with everyone that will want to gate check/valet their bags to avoid the checked baggage fee? Will AE AAgents be using the OSR (onboard sales recorders) at the gate to collect a charge?
.
I wonder how AE will deal with everyone that will want to gate check/valet their bags to avoid the checked baggage fee? Will AE AAgents be using the OSR (onboard sales recorders) at the gate to collect a charge?
.
From the AA Website:
Q. Does this bag policy apply to American Eagle flights? What about AmericanConnection® flights?
A. Yes, this policy applies to American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights.
But, I'm not clear regarding gate checks.
May 21, 2008, 8:29 am
#40
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After past experience with these types of announcements, any idea how long it takes for AA.com schedules to reflect the changes? I'm curious about NorCal service, i.e. will SJC or SMF follow OAK into oblivion??
May 21, 2008, 8:29 am
#41
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So, does a gate checked bag on Eagle count as a checked bag with this policy?
From the AA Website:
Q. Does this bag policy apply to American Eagle flights? What about AmericanConnection® flights?
A. Yes, this policy applies to American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights.
But, I'm not clear regarding gate checks.
From the AA Website:
Q. Does this bag policy apply to American Eagle flights? What about AmericanConnection® flights?
A. Yes, this policy applies to American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights.
But, I'm not clear regarding gate checks.
May 21, 2008, 8:30 am
#42
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Wow.
I'll guess that US Air, United or both follow suit within 5 days. That will lead to a match by all the majors, except Southwest who will launch a new advertising campaign about how the other airlines nickel and dime you to death....
I haven't checked a bag in years for business travel, but as a parent who needs to often check a bag AND a car seat, this will hit traveling familles the hardest.
I'll guess that US Air, United or both follow suit within 5 days. That will lead to a match by all the majors, except Southwest who will launch a new advertising campaign about how the other airlines nickel and dime you to death....
I haven't checked a bag in years for business travel, but as a parent who needs to often check a bag AND a car seat, this will hit traveling familles the hardest.
"When traveling with a child, checked car seats and strollers will continue to be free. Other items checked as baggage will be considered as part of your checked baggage allotment and fees would apply."
May 21, 2008, 8:30 am
#43
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Count me as one who's not affected by the pricing of this policy change, but we'll all be impacted by the increase in the amount of carry-on bags. For those elites who ever happen to visit a baggage claim 
think about the number of small bags that come down the belt. We'll start seeing many of these on the plane as opposed to under them.
I can certainly appreciate the dilemma AA and all airlines find themselves in with the high cost of fuel. What I don't get is the way this baggage issue is approached. It doesn't cost AA any more in fuel (in labor, probably yes) to carry a bag in cargo than it does in the overhead. Why not start charging by weight, no matter where the bag is? First 30lbs free, for example, and escalating charges after that. That would not only encourage people to carry less, which would save fuel, but would also not incent passengers to carry on the kitchen sink.
think about the number of small bags that come down the belt. We'll start seeing many of these on the plane as opposed to under them.I can certainly appreciate the dilemma AA and all airlines find themselves in with the high cost of fuel. What I don't get is the way this baggage issue is approached. It doesn't cost AA any more in fuel (in labor, probably yes) to carry a bag in cargo than it does in the overhead. Why not start charging by weight, no matter where the bag is? First 30lbs free, for example, and escalating charges after that. That would not only encourage people to carry less, which would save fuel, but would also not incent passengers to carry on the kitchen sink.
May 21, 2008, 8:32 am
#44
Join Date: Jan 2008
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A $20 connection bag transfer convenience fee would fit in quite nicely, and it goes up to $50 to expedite a close connection.