Convenience Takes Off
Snack-box… $5
Bottle of water… $2
Can of Coke… $2
Sitting on a six-hour flight listening to U.S. Airways flight attendants apologize for their company’s new, charge-for-everything policy… PAINFUL!
U.S. Airways is certainly not the only culprit when it comes to making us pay for what we have for so long taken for granted – small comforts such as checking a bag, pillows and blankets, and a mediocre meal. I understand the financial strain that high oil prices have put on airlines (and I certainly don’t begrudge them making a profit), but I am not sure that making life inconvenient and uncomfortable for the very people that pay their bills is the smartest way to cut corners.
OK, I am ranting, but surely there must be a better way for the airlines to implement these new policies. I rarely have enough time between flights to get something to eat or drink, so I often rely on the airline grub. Now, if I’m out of cash as well as time, I’m also out of luck when it comes to eating, as the airlines won’t take credit cards to pay for these meals. Add to this the fact that I can’t get a receipt for what I do purchase, so now I have to explain to the bean counters at my company why I’m turning in expense reports with missing receipts. They love that.
I get the extra charges – but with business travel such a sizeable chunk of the airline industry’s revenue, I’d like to see options such as pre-paid meals and services. What do you think? How can the airlines cut corners without such inconveniences to the business traveler? Sound off by posting a comment below.