Anyone who has traveled since June may have noticed the drastic changes that have been implemented by airlines.
Airlines–especially US carriers–are now charging fees from checked-in bags, food, water to even pillows. Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, for instance, charge US$15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second.
Travelers at Bangkok International Airport (Photo by the author)
Ticket prices have gone up as a result of the increasing price of oil. With these, passengers are the ones suffering.
It seems like airlines are double charging passengers. You pay for a huge amount for a ticket and then you pay these ridiculous fees. Isn’t food included in the price of the ticket?
Instead of imposing fees for inflight services, some airlines have opted to lower the free checked baggage weight. Philippine Airlines, for example, reduced its free checked baggage allowance to 50 pounds (23 kls) from 70 pounds (32 kls) on its flights to the US and Canada.
Cebu Pacific, another Philippine-based airline, is selling premium seats.
An announcement on its website says “the optional service is for passengers who have personal seating preferences such as window or aisle seats, additional leg room, or for groups to sit and enjoy the flight together.
The seat selection is available up to 24 hours before the flight through the CEB website and up to 4 hours before departure through the call center, sales offices, and travel agents.
“Standard seats are sold at P100 per seat, while premium seats in the front and exit rows are sold at P200 per flight.
“The airline is also selling prepaid excess baggage in 5 kilo increments. Passengers availing of this product can save 20% from their excess baggage fees. This is equivalent to a saving of P100 for a domestic flight and P400 for an international flight for each 5 kilos pre-purchased.”
Cebu Pacific plane
Thankfully, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific didn’t follow the direction of US airlines in charging inflight services. Limiting the weight of allowed checked baggage is more sensible than charging passengers.
Other airlines which have also limited its free baggage allowance are Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines, EvA Airways, Asiana, Continental Airlines and American Airlines.
The limited baggage allowance will surely affect tourism worldwide since you cannot buy more items to bring home.
These new fees will make travelers think twice before going on a trip. The next time you fly, you may be surprised that oxygen will also be available for a fee.
