Get ready, overhead bins
American Airlines announced today that it will charge $15 for passengers to check their first bag, starting June 15. (The fee won't apply to those paying "full-fare" or flying business class.)
Joel points out that this is a dangerous trend when it comes to lost luggage, since passengers paying money for a service that used to be free will have expectations of superior service.
As I've complained about before, charging for checked luggage will encourage people schlep the suitcases on the plane as carry-ons. If anything, we should be providing incentives for more people to check bags, since the fewer carry-ons people have, the faster the boarding process and the more room in the overhead bins for my bags.
Joel points out that this is a dangerous trend when it comes to lost luggage, since passengers paying money for a service that used to be free will have expectations of superior service.
As I've complained about before, charging for checked luggage will encourage people schlep the suitcases on the plane as carry-ons. If anything, we should be providing incentives for more people to check bags, since the fewer carry-ons people have, the faster the boarding process and the more room in the overhead bins for my bags.
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