Joe Connolly, who gives business updates regularly on CBS radio news, caught my ear the other morning with the report that soon airlines will charge customers for the ‘privilege’ of pre-selecting their seats. Of course, this ‘privilege’ has been standard-operating-procedure and free for all the years I’ve been flying, as has bringing luggage at no extra cost. But all of that is changing. Like every other company trying to stay afloat in the new economy, airlines are nickel and diming in increasingly unpleasant ways.
As a frequent flyer, this caught my attention. With flights scheduled (and seats already reserved, thank goodness) to Phoenix, Milwaukee, LA and San Diego in the near future, I’m feeling the squeeze. (NB – We only pay attention to the news that affects us. I’m certain that my NYC-based sister, who hasn’t driven a car in decades, couldn’t tell you the price of gas, while I know by heart the cheapest pumps in town.)
Listening to the cast album of Les Miz while on the treadmill this morning, I was smiling, then sneering, at the lyrics to Master of the House:
Charge them for the lice
Extra for the mice
Two percent for looking in the mirror twice
Here a little slice
There a little cut
Three percent for sleeping with the window shut
I promise not to start charging for reading my blog.
Love it! Les Miz is one of my favorites, and I agree with you about all the nickle and diming going on. Thanks for not charging to read your blog:)
I love Les Miserables, and still hear the beauty of the music and songs in my head. Actually it was the only show I ever saw, where I HAD to buy the CD.
My Les Miz husband travels extensively and he feels the pain of getting less while spending more in time and money.
The first time we encountered an airline charging to reserve your seat in advance was last summer when booking a trip to Italy. British Airways was charging fees to reserve in advance for each leg of the flight. And each ha different fees! If you didn’t want to pay for the “privilege” you had the option to reserve your seat for free 24 hours before departure. (We took the free option.) The airlines get away with this because people don’t have much choice, especially with long distance travel. Very sad.
Love the Les Miz lyrics. Very fitting indeed.
@Sandy
You’re welcome!
@Scarlett
I know what you mean. It wasn’t a choice.
Poor guy…
@Amy
Wow! I didn’t realize it was already happening (except for Southwest). Thanks for letting me know it’s already a reality in some parts. Ugh!