(The following column by Theresa Novak appeared on the Gazette-Times website on May 25.)
CORVALLIS, Ore. — This past week brought yet more bad news for those of us who have lamented how air travel increasingly means more money and hassle and less fun.
To wit: American Airlines announced that it would begin charging $15 for the first piece of checked baggage. AA’s Chairman and Chief Executive Gerard J. Arpey said this move would raise “several hundred million dollars” and help offset skyrocketing jet fuel costs.
Last month, American joined other major carriers in adopting a $25 charge for second checked bags. Those other carriers indicated they might follow American in charging for the first bag as well.
It’s all about weight. The more weight an aircraft carries, the more jet fuel it consumes. American officials said they’ve spent $3 billion more on fuel since the first of this year over the same period in 2007.
A thoughtful friend, who has almost no body fat himself, wondered “Why don’t the airlines just start charging tickets based on the weight of passengers and their luggage?”
“Well, U.S. passengers won’t put up with that,” I huffed. “Besides, the airlines would spend more time hassling with customers than collecting any savings.”
But upon further reflection, I’m not so sure.
Southwest Airlines already charges passengers who can’t get their seat belts to latch for an extra seat, despite the outcry from groups who advocate on behalf of larger people.
In these days of expensive travel, it’s possible that an airline that advertises discounts for passengers who weigh in — baggage and all — below a certain number would find favor with consumers.
But airlines already have lost me. I’m going by train whenever I can.
A winter trip to Southern Oregon convinced me this is a transportation pleasure more travelers must try. The seats were more comfortable than first-class airline seats, and they reclined almost flat.
Dinner was a crisp salad, fresh salmon and Oregon wine in a stemmed glass. It was served on a cloth-covered table. Cutlery was silver, and it included a knife. I watched passing landscapes I’d never seen from the highway.
The same one-way trip today, from Albany to Klamath Falls, would cost $41.
It’s bad news for the airlines if more people discover what it’s like to enjoy a journey and arrive well rested — with luggage intact.