American Airlines to charge for checked baggage

[Got Venom]

I'm so sick of politics, I thought I would throw out another topic that affects all of us. They say they are going to charge for checked baggage? I say they should charge at the gate for all of the oversized carry-ons instead. This would eliminate a lot of the carry on nightmare, and it would give the airlines the extra cash they need to make up for the higher priced fuel, and it would make the flights arrive more on time, thus making them a more popular airline, and thus getting more business etc. The time wasted waiting for people to finally get in their seats, so the flights can move is such a joke. So if they are going to start charging , I think they should encourage people to check everything. It would also speed up the security check in lines. Anybody in the Airline biz care to enlighten us?

[slaughterj]

Instead, they should weigh all passengers with their luggage, and charge accordingly. Weigh too much, causing more fuel to be used to carry your lard around, then pay for it!

[2001-V10 Power Nut]

Spirit Airlines already charges for any "checked" bag. Of course they are the worst airline ever

[94RT10Ohio]

NW you get charged if you have more than two I think. Also if they weigh over 50lbs.

[Andrew/USPWR]

Originally Posted by slaughterj

Instead, they should weigh all passengers with their luggage, and charge accordingly. Weigh too much, causing more fuel to be used to carry your lard around, then pay for it!

Agreed, and give the person sitting next to you a reduced rate.

[NukedGTS]

Originally Posted by slaughterj

Instead, they should weigh all passengers with their luggage, and charge accordingly. Weigh too much, causing more fuel to be used to carry your lard around, then pay for it!

I'm offended by the comments regarding weight, oh geeez, I just dropped my cheeseburger on my keyboard . . . .

[NukedGTS]

Originally Posted by Got Venom

I'm so sick of politics, I thought I would throw out another topic that affects all of us. They say they are going to charge for checked baggage? I say they should charge at the gate for all of the oversized carry-ons instead. This would eliminate a lot of the carry on nightmare, and it would give the airlines the extra cash they need to make up for the higher priced fuel, and it would make the flights arrive more on time, thus making them a more popular airline, and thus getting more business etc. The time wasted waiting for people to finally get in their seats, so the flights can move is such a joke. So if they are going to start charging , I think they should encourage people to check everything. It would also speed up the security check in lines. Anybody in the Airline biz care to enlighten us?

I was thinking the exact same thing when I saw the story on tonight's news. Won't this just encourage people to carry MORE luggage on the plane?

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Don't blame the airlines. Blame the Middle East. They are the reason for global increased security and higher oil prices.

We should have been sending a monthly security bill to Saudi for the past 7 years.

[slaughterj]

Originally Posted by NukedGTS

I was thinking the exact same thing when I saw the story on tonight's news. Won't this just encourage people to carry MORE luggage on the plane?

What, more than the 1 suitcase and 1 personal item that you are currently restricted to?

Note, these restrictions don't apply to higher AAdvantage members, and not to flights which include an international itinerary (i.e., if you fly from NYC to Miami to Cancun, you are okay).

[InjectTheVenom]

Originally Posted by Chuck 98 RT/10

Don't blame the airlines. Blame the Middle East. They are the reason for global increased security and higher oil prices.

We should have been sending a monthly security bill to Saudi for the past 7 years.

And don't forget those Wallstreet numbnutses either that bitch the oil price up with ANY news about the middle east be it positive or negative, world climate or when they just feel like making "regular" citizens feel bad about themselves

[Paul Hawker]

I would pay more if they would put the skinney people in the seat next to me.