by Tina~in_ut
When Spirit Airlines announced that they were going to begin charging for all carry-on baggage put in overhead bins, I thought, "Great! I hope we don't do that! At least it couldn't get any worse!" Or so I thought!
Then I saw an article on cnn.com about Ryanair, a low cost carrier out of Dublin, Ireland. They are considering charging to use the restroom on flights lasting one hour or less. They are talking with Boeing about installing one of those doors where you'd have to insert a coin to get in. They would charge either 1 pound or 1 euro. I laughed! Who would think of such a thing and who would want to fly on an airline that did that?
Well apparently quite a few people would do it. In order to keep fares down, Ryanair charges more in fees (bags, infants, online booking charges, etc....) and lets the consumer decide what they will and will not pay for. They are upfront about their fees and have a separate tab on their website dedicated to just that. They often have surveys on their website in order to find out what people are willing to pay for.
When our airline started "offering" food for purchase, I thought, "You've got to be kidding me!", but then I remembered flying Air Europa from Paris to Malaga and being able to buy food on the plane. I was so grateful because the twins and I didn't have time to buy something in the airport in between flights and we were hungry. I can't remember what I bought, but I know I was impressed with the selection.
With fuel costs on the rise again, all the airlines are looking to see where they can cut costs. Most people won't pay higher airfares, so extra money comes from extra fees. We don't charge customers to check-in online, but it does cost more to check your bags at the airport vs online. Ryanair charges to check-in online, more to check-in at the airport, to check bags, to book a reservation (no matter where you book it), for priority boarding, to check a car seat, and to carry an infant, on top of any change fees. The next thing you know, they'll be charging to get out of the bathroom, to use a seatbelt, or to recline your seat!
What would you be willing to pay for and what do you think is crazy to have to pay for?
63 comments:
Welllllllll I beat bebbi!!
awwww..bummer..nah..You are so pretty today LynnD! I see the sunshine in your smile and the sparkle in your step.
Tina how much are they going to charge me to fly the plane?
Jaysus! Just put the price in the ticket. Look I personally feel that your ticket should include. at least one free drink, water, soda, juice. One meal on flights longer than 4 hours. Free carry on (hello you are the one humping the bag on the airplane!) and freaking free bathrooms!!!!!!!! Lord I just think about us poor people that when you have to go you have to go!
Look you buy a ticket to fly and have the comfort of getting to your destination faster. If I wanted to suffer I would have my Dad drive for the cost of gas. He stops for nothing and if you damn well want something to drink you better bring it! Bathroom what bathroom. Note: when riding with Dad don't drink a damn thing.
I would say they are turning flying into a mode of transportation no better than riding a Gray Hound Bus. IMHO
Good Morning!
TINA: There are so many fees, it's hard to keep track of them all. When I flew to Denver I just upgraded from the least expensive flight..and the baggage and check-in fees disappeared. It cost me less to fly the next tier then it would have to pay for the extra bag..so that's what I did..and I got free headphones!! :D I can't say whether I would mind paying for food or drinks..as I have only been on flights that last less than two hours. If I was on longer ones..I might have a problem with paying for a bottle of water..or paying to use the bathroom.
When they start charging to let you OFF the plane..I think there might be some trouble. ;)
Carol read your blog from yesterday and I have watched the last few years, the media (including news media) turning into sensational, negative, crappy programming, but guess what that is what gets ratings now.
To many people want to see the ugly, and how badly people treat each other to make their sad lives feel better. IMHO
Would any of us even know who John and Kate were if they had not had their reality show? Oh we might say that is one of the couples that had multiples. Truly I don't feel sorry for anyone but the kids in this situation. Mom and Dad made choices about their families lives and are now addicted to the spotlight and the money.
Look it's not like Kate can't get work. I understand she is a trained nurse. John not so sure. I think of the Dilley's (no relation that I know about) who have multiples and limit the amount of coverage for their family. Kids are 16 now and the family is still together imagine that.
It's all in the choices that Kate and John make and the choices we make as TV consumers. If we turned off our sets they would go away and maybe just maybe they would get their shit together for their children. imjs!
PS while we are on this subject, I don't care who Jesse James slept with or Tiger Woods etc.... feel bad for their wives, but once again the women who participated in all of this crap are now famous because our baser instincts as a society is fueling their infamous fame at this point. Thanks (note sarcasm), I imagine I will have to see these crappy people on their own freaking reality shows soon. Mark my words.
LYNN: You are definitely the most gorgeous today!
Good morning BEBBI!
Well, the backyard is still a wetland..I can't believe I left the hose on in the pool for over two hours. Aw..who am I kidding..yes I can. I told Mr Z it was LYNN's pumpkins' fault.. ;)
From 51:
JODI: Nice form..you sure got us wet! :D
oops read my posts and I think I am a little cranky this morning. Had to deal with my own crappy unethical person this week and it has left me a little jaded and irritated. Sorry.
Waving at the beautiful Bebbi and Zona and any other beauties who pop in and comment today!
Zona those damn pumpkins left me cranky too! I can't believe I am trying again!
Tina I am going to send you an email on FB with my cell number. Zona would you email me on FB and give me my cell number?
LynnD: Good thing Zona keeps track of your cell number! What would you do without her? haha.
Or is that Cell#, like your cell # in your prison block? okay..that was a little corny..sorry.
Good Morning Pretty Miss Lynn, Zonaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaababy and Bebbi!
Well, I am willing to pay for me- the rest should be gratis. JMHO
Seriously, the toliet thing and the carry on is too much for me. That said, places in Europe have had pay toilets for years (just not on planes).
I remember when we flew from Munich to Frankfurt on our way back to the states. This was 22 years ago and you picked up a bag lunch from a cart as you got on the plane. Everyone thought Lufthansa was nuts and bitched loud and heavily. Of course on the flight from Frankfurt to Chicago we dined and drank to our hearts content.
As for the overhead luggage- I am always amazed at what people will try to stuff into those bins! I have learned one thing from traveling. Take your 'carry on' suitcase with you to board. When you get to the counter ask to gate check it. No charge- and it gets on the plane! then you just carry your purse and be off it.
Busy day here- hope eveyone has a great day! Oh, and those flying in to the get together in Chicago- remember to bring your flight crew some chocolates! It is much appreciated and may get you some freebies!
Good Morning all....
Finally Tina!! I like this subject....
I think Ryanair is pretty smart to survey and try to give their passengers what they want to pay for....
Air travel isn't what it used to be....I remember when it was an event. Exciting. Glamorous even. People dressed up. The difference in the price of a first class ticket and a coach ticket was not a big deal....now it can mean a $10,000 difference in the price of your seat.....When the Concorde stopped service a R/T ticket was in the neighborhood of $15,000.
The United States has 2 major carriers left...Delta and American....United is still aloft but not for long...and I want to be able to take pride in Delta and American as they represent the USA around the world.
Up until deregulation there were 2 ways to buy a ticket....first class or coach....now if you have 200 people sitting in coach the person sitting next to you most likely didn't pay the same fare you did...
But it put Americans on airplanes...Flying was no longer just for the wealthy or the business traveler....which is a good thing......but unless you cough up the price of a first or business class ticket.....as you walk thru that drape going into no-mans land (coach) you never know what you might find on the many small airlines flying American skies.....
You may eventually end up paying for seat belts...oxygen...to read the safety info on your aircraft...turning on your lights...calling for FA assistance....a magazine....and if by some chance you wrangler you way into the lavatory without a token...the toilet tissue won't drop...SURPRISE!! And the door won't let you out until you land and a concourse manager can be dispatched to collect your buck fifty.....
But make no mistake....a bus or a train is no competition for a Boeing 757 for comfort...speed (550mph) and safety.....flying is still the safest mode of travel...by far....that we have.
But one way I have thought of to offset costs for the passenger is an agreement you can sign in security agreeing to allow your body scan to be published in the Coffee Table Books and a monthly magazine that I think should be done!!
Imagine the excitement waiting by the mailbox for the next months issue of "T&A&C&B's!!"
OMG!!!! i'm coughing and can't stop!!!! DeeDee!!!! I just read ur comment to Janice and we can't stop laughing!!!! Everything you said is everything I thought of....along with Goldie's Pay-to-Poop toilets in Europe!!! BUTT....OMG!!!! the body scan pics!!!!! OMG!!!!~ wheezing!!!!~
LynnD~ Congrats on prettiest~! and honey....you can just email me ur #!!! Or is that your cell # in ur reservation? :)~
Bebbi~ For God's sake!!! Quit being so chipper!!! It's still morning!!!~ :D
Zona~ That was a good one...pay to get off~ .....the plane, I mean~
LynnD~ I got ur facebook email (thru my email)....and the way you wrote....it's as if you haven't been getting my regular emails...I've replied to everything from work....and I can't use facebook here....so when I get home, I just delete your facebook ones~ does that make sense? check ur spam...hmmmmm~
I would pay to pee..for sure. Great blog Carol! I remember People's Jer or Express....where you had to pay in the air and buy the food..haha..!
Tina: chip chip chip..just for you sweetheart..it's a glorious day when you're a happy person... chip chip chip.
Jer should have been Jet.
lmbo....yeah....great blog CAROL!!!~ lol~
What's so funny, Tina? chip.
Oh, and it's afternoon now so ...THERE.
TINA - Great blog!! I've only flown a handful of times and not in almost 15 years. I would definitely pay to pee. After 3 kids....well you get the picture ;) Planning on flying down to Arizona later this year, so I'll definitely need some assistance with all the do's and don'ts of flying. I wouldn't have the first clue of what I can and cannot pack!!
LYNN - Congrats on first!!
BEBBI - Waving a wing @ you!!
ZONA - I hope I didn't make you wheeze too much this morning ;)
GOLDIE - Any big plans for the weekend?
DEE DEE - Body scan....really?!!? I imagine u could really make some purty art with that!!
MARY - Here are the lyrics to Frank's song:
Hold It Together
by Frank X. Sommers
I don't know if I can keep this up
Or if these arms are strong enough
To try and stop all these walls
From falling down on me
I'm just trying to save this life we built
I can feel this house begin to tilt
As it's torn apart by doubt and guilt
And too much apathy
But if you don't care, then why should I?
Why shouldn't I just say goodbye?
Walk away and let it die
And say we gave it our best try
It's silent and it's cold in here
And it's getting darker year by year
And the sun has all but disappeared
But I remember when
We would laugh and talk for days it seems
And dive into each others' dreams
Now it's too quiet to even hear a scream
Or a kind word falling in-between
But if you don't care, then why should I?
Why shouldn't I just say goodbye?
Walk away and let it die
But is this really our best try?
Last night the frozen river thawed
And we talked it out until we were raw
And we held each other close and bawled
Until we fell asleep
But when I woke up, you were already gone
And you'd left the coffee maker on
With a note that said: "I think it's done"
"Help yourself...if you help anyone."
If you don't care, then why should I?
Why shouldn't I just say goodbye?
Walk away and let it die
But can we give it one more try?
I don't know if I can keep this up
Or if these arms are strong enough
I'm just trying to save this life we built
I can feel this house begin to tilt
And it's falling down on you and me
Can't you see? We've got to hold it together
It's falling down on you and me
Oh, please, why can't we hold it together?
It's falling, falling down
Falling down
We've got to hold it together
We've got to hold it together
We've got to hold it together
DEE DEE - Still working on getting the link to watch Going Great White online. But for those of you that would rather watch the DVD, I'd be happy to mail it to you!!!
uh.....Bebbi~ the part that made me laugh was when you told Carol that she wrote a great blog~ :)~
Jodi~ just fly nekkid....and everything will be okay~ :D
Happy Friday Owls.
To pee or not to pee is a great question Tina. If that was the only way to use the bathroom, I would definitely have to pay. I take Lasix and when I have to pee, I cannot wait, so my choice would be pay or wet myself and the seat. Well, I guess I could wear depends, but I'm not inclined to do that. That will probably come soon enough!
As far as food and drink are concerned, we can't take liquids over 2 oz. through security, so that means we can't bring our own drinks, but we could make a sandwich and take it in our carry on. I have paid for food on a flight from Sac to NYC and it was a soggy sandwich and a cookie. It was awful. I wouldn't mind paying for food if it was palatable.
And finally, I don't mind paying for over weight luggage or a second checked bag, but I hope it doesn't come to having to pay for any bag, checked or not. I figure they have estimated how much fuel it takes to fly from point to point with 'x' total lbs. per passenger. So set the fare to cover that and charge those who go over. That might help me not to over pack.
haha..sorry Tina...GREAT BLOG...sheesh. clueless over here..haha. Sorry about that.
Lynn, congrats on beating out Bebbi today. I hope your week is going better and you can have a nice relaxing weekend.
Bebbi, congrats on almost making first.
Zona, How long will it take your lake to dry up?
Goldie, Thanks for the heads up about the chocolate. Is See's OK?
Jodi, thanks for posting the lyric. It's a very thought provoking song.
Waving a wing to all the other Owls. Have a good day. :)
Sacbarb: You can just hang on to that See's until you get to Chi-town. ...MMMmmMMMMmMMMMMmmMMM..I know someone who would REALLY appreciate it!... ME! haha
is See's okay?
IS SEE'S OKAY?
IS SEE'S OKAY?
ARE YOU NUTS? OF COURSE IT'S OKAY!!!! omg....i'm wounded!!! I feel like an arrow has pierced my heart!!!! (I like California Brittle!)
Tina: What is California Brittle?
OK Tina, LMAO~ California Brittle it is!
Bebbi....
California brittle is when you live in southern California and have spent too many years tanning....
DEE DEE.....LMAO!!!
BARB - Great lyrics and I'm glad I could get them to share ♥
TINA - Oh my freakin' hell....I'm sure they would pay me NOT to do that!!
40!!!
I think they should have a price guide for the toilet. They could charge for pee,poop, mile high club, shooting up etc.... imjs
Oops Tina have not checked my regular email in a few days. I don't remember what phone number I put on my crap but it was probably home as that one I can remember.
WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just ordered my tickets to BON JOVI with KID ROCK at Soldier field in Chicago on July 31st! Got an email from Jon, or maybe it was Richie, for pre-order(tickets go on sale Mon)!!!!
Staying at my sis's house in Wilmette and taking a limo- and her friend is very close to Kid Rock- so she is going to try to get us something extra besides the boatload we just spent on floor seats!!
Happy Dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now, back to your regularly scheduled programming....
GOLDIE - Brat!! No, seriously....sounds like a great concert!!
LYNN - You just need to keep your cell charged....ijs!!! :P
LynnD,you are a beauty today! I see you made a sammy with Bebbi lol!
Tina, I am not happy with all the airline pricing shit! I may have to put a halt to all my travels!
My Niece Jaimie just found out she was accepted to a teaching job in Nice France. We are planning a trip to Greece then on to her job this fall.I would have to sell Mr Mary to pay for the tickets! Well, that would at least get me out of Michigan lol!!
Jodi, thanks you so much for the lyrics! My hearing is not the best. I would have missed out on some great words. I bet it would play out great in a country song.
MARY - You're welcome.....muah!!
can't believe I'm saying this....but goodnight~ ugh~
48~
49~
50!~
TINA - Kinda early for you. What's up?
Tina! Good grief! What kind of self respecting owl goes to bed that early??
I just spoke with Bebbi about the garlic episode... I warned her that garlic in a crack pipe isn't such a good idea after all.
Seriously, I've been away for a time... So much to do, computer malfunctions, etc. I'm back to full functionality and just have some catch-up to do, but Bonacci is back in the house. I missed you all!
BONACHICHI - Welcome back!!
DEE DEE - Frank just sent me this info:
There are a few hundred sites that host Going Great White. I recommend googling "going great white" and finding what site works best with your particular computer.
This site works pretty well on mine:
http://movie25.com/going-great-white-2009_4753.html
I watch the "Part 1" and "Part 2" versions.
Hope this helps. And again my offer still stands. If you would rather watch the DVD....I'd be happy to mail it to anyone who would like to watch it!!!
Bonachichi: Welcome Back! and don't forget that you explained to me the good qualities of garlic too..so long as it's not smoked! :) Okay..maybe grilled, but definitely not smoked.. :)
Glad to have you back and GLAD you are okay..sorry those engineers are putting you through the ringer!
They better watch it cause I am gonna come over there and kick their behinds if they mess with my bonachichi! :)
Goldie: Jeez...you lucky duck! And, to think, I wasn't even a big Bon Jovi fan until I came here. Now you guys got me all "up in it".
:) :) :) I am just HAPPY Bonachichi is alive, and well! yay..
Okay, for the bad news. I didn't go and work out tonight. I was bad because my daughter came in from college and we watched Jamie Oliver's food revolution. That is a great show! anyone else watching it?
Off to bed for this Owl..
Hi Everyone..
Happy 1 Lynn.. :O)
Tina..
I am so fed up with these airlines and the nickel and dime approach. It has gotten way out of hand.
If you buy a ticket it should include everything, they should just raise their prices on the airfare. It is so hard to keep up on what a charge is for something. People are getting rip off left and right, and there is not a damn thing anyone can do about it. A family has to pay for their seats on the plane and then by for luggage, my clients just paid 125.00 for their luggage.. and that is one way.. shameful..
The airlines made the carry on luggage a problem when they started to charge for checked luggage. Everyone wanted to save money so they took advantage of the free carry on. Now they are saying the carry on is two much, Well DUH, you did it.. So I am sure ppl will go back to paying the checked luggage instead of carry on cause its cheaper to do it that way..
This is a big mess, and I am totally disgusted.. I hope someone political gets involved, and puts stop to it..
They are all way out of line..
When the day comes I have to pay to pee, I am just going to pee in my pants. and if they question me cause of the smell, I will tell them I had no money... and then I want to see there faces and mine when I stand up with a pee stain on me and on the seat..
well, there is one thing I would pay (reasonable) amounts for: upgrades! I was able to pay an extra couple of hundred for an upgrade on AC to Toronto at Christmas, and I jumped at the chance!
Carol: Remind me not to sit next to you! LOL!
I had a fucking day from hell.. My work e-mail, shut down.. att is going thru a transition of some sort, that is way to complicated for me to understand. In this day in age without e-mail, its like being without a phone, by business gets effected big time. I called att @ 9:45 this morning.. 60 min hold, waiting 2hrs, got disconnected, called back another 60 min hold, waited two hrs got disconnected. Called back was put on hold again, this time I did not get disconnected, but sat on hold till I finally gave up and hung up @ 6:30p.. Can you imagine.. 9hrs in all and never got to talk to anyone. I finally started googling the problem and saw some forums on the same issue.. with much time I was able to get my work e-mail back up @ 5:15p..thanks to google.
I am not taking this lightly I am not done with Att.. I will def have my say..
Then I go to run a airline ticket for a client and the airfare went up, so I need to call the airline to try and get a waiver as it was within the 24 hr period.. 3 hrs on hold, finally feeling defeated @ 7p I hung up.. another can you imagine moment.. keeping someone on hold that long, and never getting to speak with anyone.. I have to run the ticket at the original quoted price, so money is lost.
I'll tell ya.. I have had a defeated day.. I feel as if no matter what I did I was beat down..
WTF happen to customer relations and or customer service..
So tired....
Whabby..
I agree those upgrades are def worth it.. my client paid $60.00 to upgrade his flight he was flying from MCO to EWR and because he was now flying first class he did not have to pay for his 4 pieces of luggage, so yes upgrades for a reasonable price are worth it..
and If you were seating next to me, I would ask you to lend me the money to go pee.. :O)
I have to get up early tomorrow.. so I am calling it a night.. so glad this day is over..
:O)
CAROL - So sorry you had a crappy day....(((hugs))) from WESconsin :O)
Paying to use the rest room is crazy. I can understand paying for a head set or an alcoholic drinkbut I think basic food and the bathroom should be free and stay that way.
Carol. I'm so sorry you had such a crappy day. I can't believe how long you were on hold. It's absolutely ridiculous. Companiies shouldn't be able to get away with having such crappy customer service.
Tina. I'm already annoyed with the luggage charge. To charge for using the toilet when you are locked in a plane thousands of feet in the air, is downright inhumane.
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