Originally Posted by
SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3084561
My wife understands the rules.
It's worth noting here that regardless of what we call this, it's not the airlines rules, it's the FAA/TSA's rules. Airlines don't have any say in airport security procedures.
Perhaps, but you don't exactly see a worker on the tarmac sticking a credit card into the fuel truck. Airlines negotiate and contract prices over long terms, what the airlines pay is not necessarily what the fuel costs that day.
Then why are you complaining? If you pay less with airlines that charge all these evil fees, where is the argument? I didn't quote this comment, but I've never flown southwest so I don't know what the seating game is.
Again, not necessarily, because if they locked in their prices at a lower rate, why wouldn't they charge less to get an edge on the competition? I'll take a guess... because in your mind, airlines are just another bunch big evil corporatations who are all in collusion to shaft the American Public out of their money and keep airfares artificially high. There is no such thing as competition and free market, and the only solution to dealing with this problem is more laws, more government, more regulation, more nationalization, more hope, and more change there I said it!
Southwest's 'seating game' is they do not reserve seats. It's first come. first serve. Until recently, whoever was first in line at the gate got on the plane first and picked whatever seat was available. So you had to get to the gate about an 1 1/2 before your flight departed, and stood in line. If you didn't, and you got stuck in the back of the line, you were riding middle seat. At least now, they allow you to 'reserve' a spot in line. They board people in groups of 50. You can reserve your spot online 24 hours before departure.
I understand free enterprise. I know why the airlines charge like they do. The only thing that bothers me about the baggage is they never charged for it since the inception of commercial flying. Then last year fuel prices doubled, so they had to come up with inventive ways just to stay afloat. The only thing I'd like to see is they start removing some of these excessive charges once they become profitable again (if that ever happens). The problem is, they won't. It's an easy way to make a profit, and they know it's a convenience travelers cannot live without.
Now when I travel for business or pleasure, I play the game. Instead of taking four pairs of slacks for a 4 day business trip, I take two and coordinate two shirts with each pair. On pleasure trips I just take a pair of blue jeans and wing it. Most hotels provide all the toiletries I need, so I don't even pack those anymore. If they don't have them, I just run over to the local Walmart and buy the cheap stuff and leave it in the hotel room when I check out.
What will suck is when they hit you up for the carry-on's. The first move is they'll only allow either a laptop/purse, or a small carry-on bag, but not both. If you want to take your laptop or a second small bag that will fit under your seat, you'll be out of luck. The next step will be the charge for even one bag coming on the plane. The next move? They'll make each passenger stand on a scale when checking in, and charge you a 'weight fee' for every pound over the BMI Index for your height, age, and build.
