So i can understand or at least rationalize the prices increases for jet fuel and the baggage check prices and other charges airlines have started to implement. However charging for WATER is down right criminal when your option to carry your own on board is non existant due to TSA regulations so you are FORCED to pay for WATER (typicall free from home) either in the terminal or on the plane. That to me is going to far and I think will be the tipping in how far airlines have been able to push their new fees!

What I have done for awhile is bring an empty bottle with me.
Once done with check point, fill it at a water fountain.
Add some crystal lite to it and all is well.

That's a great idea!

A great idea- A flight attendant friend of mine gave me the same advice and it is a lifesaver when traveling with kids!

Here is a rather handy dandy chart of current fees being charged by the airlines:
http://rickseaney.com/domestic-airline-fee-chart/

This is a rather interesting idea-the Airlines should charge for the carry on rather than the checked bags.
Airlines are charging for the wrong bags

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20080617...tiMPFCkfes0NUE

yeah...i'm in the process of booking a trip through europe...i'm taking ONE bag, and i checked, it can be allowed as a carry-on

Here is a rather interesting, informative blog report from Airfarewatchdog about AA's (and others) baggage fees and reaction to them:
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/Airfa...7/Default.aspx

Airlines Slow to Get on Board With Bag FeesCHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The move by AMR(AMR - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) unit American Airlines to charge passengers $15 for their first checked bag has triggered an unusual split in the airline industry.

Typically, airlines act in concert when imposing new charges or higher ticket prices, fearing the competitive impact if one carrier charges more than another. But today, three legacy carriers and low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines impose a first-bag fee, while the three remaining legacy carriers and most low-fare carriers have not. One reason for the split involves the question of whether the fee actually boosts revenue without adding cost. Aviation consultant Robert Mann says some airlines also worry the fee may trigger the unintended consequence of "turning flight attendants into baggage police" and causing delays as more passengers carry items on board and excess luggage must be moved from the cabin to baggage holds............
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10422...-bag-fees.html

Boo.

American raised the costs for carryon-pets. I didn't even realize that until now.

I travel home around 3x/yr with my dog and before it was $160, which often times was even more expensive if not the same price for a whole other seat.

Now it's $200 round trip.

And on top of that, it's still counted as a carry-on bag :mad:

For those of us who are:
1) Keeping score on all the changes/charges;)
2) Traveling and need to know what is going on:(
3) Or just have a general interest in this:
U.S. Domestic Airline Fee Chart
http://www.farecompare.com/resources...able/index.htm?

Airline Carry-On Baggage Chart
http://rickseaney.com/airline-carry-on-baggage-chart/

That Flight You Booked 6 Months Ago? Cancelled! But We Can Help
http://rickseaney.com/2008/07/07/tha...t-we-can-help/

See, that really scalds me! My brother has flown DOBERMANS several times in the past, and they just sit in their crate on a seat. The one time I tried to fly with a 17# dog who fits in a tote bag, I was told that he had to stay under the seat in front of me. I offered to buy him a seat - no go.

Something's got to give!

For those traveling with pets, here is some info for you:
Sparky Takes a Trip - But Will You (and OTHERS on the Plane) Survive It?
http://rickseaney.com/2008/06/10/spa...ne-survive-it/

And if you thought AA example was "bad", look at this:
"Costs have gotten crazy: The way rates have gone up for pet transport in recent months is a consideration. Let’s look at domestic pet-transport prices on Northwest, for example:
Northwest pet-in-cabin travel: $160 roundtrip
Northwest pet-in-cargo travel: up to (take deep breath) $718 roundtrip
NOTE: That $718 fee is for “canines of size” so if Sparky is a big boy and requires a giant-sized travel kennel (dog + kennel = 150 pounds), you’ll pay $718. Not sure I’d take a child along at that price."

wow, there were some assholes in that Sparky Takes a Trip thread. :rolleyes:

LOL @ "canines of size." My cat would NEVER fit under an airplane seat, he's so big he needs a carrier that would fit a pug or slightly bigger. I can't imagine flying w/ him or other animals ever - if I was moving to Europe or something, I would take a boat.

I wouldn't put any animal in the cargo area! Too often, pets are left on the tarmac in the heat or snow, and are sickened by the time their owners are finally allowed to pick them up. I have a friend with show dogs, and she & her husband are looking into an RV, rather than flying with the dogs. They have Samoyeds, a bit big to fit under the seat.

I don't remember having to pay anything when I brought my family dog to live with my brother in Florida...but that was in 1996. (I told people we were retiring him. He had arthritis.) We flew him in cargo, but at the time the plane was pressurized for that. The crew was great to him as well. They brought him to me on a cart and he arrived well before my luggage. Things definitely have changed.