Home prices and the Dow Jones
Industrial Average are falling while mortgage foreclosures, gas prices, unemployment and inflation are all on
the rise.
Airlines and consumers are both
feeling the pain at the pump. Jet fuel prices have risen 83.6 percent in the
last year, according to the International Air Transport Association. In
addition to cutting back on staff, many airlines are passing costs on to
consumers by charging travelers additional fees for previously free features
and services or instituting new policies on travel.
Yet Americans are still taking vacations. Over 25
million Americans will travel abroad this summer, a 2.6 percent increase over
last year, according to AAA’s summer forecast for foreign travel.
“It’s a supply and demand issue,” said Norman Wright,
President/CEO of your BBB serving Northwest Florida.
“Americans want their vacations, and airlines must contend with rising fuel
costs. Airlines are looking for creative ways to stay aloft and in most cases that
means more fees and restrictions for travelers.”
Clearly, travelers are in for
changes at the airport and your BBB offers a heads-up on what travelers can expect
when flying this summer.
Luggage fees
United Airlines now charges customers $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for a second
checked bag. Fees for special handling or overweight bags also increased.
United estimates the baggage fees will generate an additional $250 million in
revenue.
American Airlines was already charging customers $25 for a
second checked bag and, effective June 15, began charging customers $15 for the
first checked bag. Continental Airlines now charges $25 each way if a customer
wants to check a second bag. US
Airways recently began charging $15 per checked bag.
Most airlines do not charge baggage fees for international
travel; however, before travelling domestically or internationally, check the
airline’s policy for details before heading to the airport.
No free lunch or drinks
Some airlines are now charging for all beverages and food.
US Airways stopped serving free snacks and in August will begin charging
travelers $2 each for non-alcoholic beverages, including juice, soda and
bottled water.
Minimum stays
Effective October, United Airlines will require minimum
stays for domestic flights. Most travel will require a 2-3 night or weekend
stay at the destination. The policy varies according to destination, ticket
price and length of flight so check United’s Web site for more details.
Flying with Fido
Travelers with pets can also expect to pay more. Effective
in August, United will charge $125 for pets to ride in the cabin – up from $85
earlier this year. Pets traveling in United’s cargo hold will cost $500
roundtrip. American, Delta, Continental and US Airways all currently charge
$100 for pets to ride in the cabin.
Frequent flyer rewards…for
a fee
Delta recently announced plans to
add a fuel surcharge of up to $50 for booking frequent-flier tickets under its
awards program on tickets booked on or after August 15. American Airlines has
begun charging $5 to book frequent-flier tickets and US Airways will charge up
to a $50 processing fee for frequent-flier tickets booked on or after August 6.
For additional information and trustworthy advice from BBB
on how to keep from getting burned during summer travel, start with bbb.org.
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