More money squezing from the airlines

[jonny8642]

Jet Blue is going to charge for a pillow and blanket now.
For $7 I better be able to keep the damn thing. (http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?WSJ=1&x=http://www.comcast.net/news/articles/finance/2008/08/05/SB121789450841511895/)

[JonSidneyB]

True but an economist would say that they are selling tickets at too low of a price based on the costs of their inputs and instead of raising fares are collecting the difference elsewhere.

I would not be mad at the airlines, what is happening is classic econ. The inputs are forcing the the quantity demanded down *not the demand curve itself but a point on the demand curve*

Under current conditions there will be fewer players in the future meaning lower supply until the fares are such that the airlines can survive.

[EXCALIBUR]

First, TSA prohibits passengers bringing bottled water through security. Then, the airlines are going the way of not providing free glasses, of water to passengers on board. Next, they will be charging $2.00 for a bottle of water. Wait, there's more. Snacks and meals on fights will now cost extra. Ouch! $7.00 for a pillow and blanket? Is this some kind of "terrorist" conspiracy or what? >:(

[JonSidneyB]

The only reason that Southwest turned a profit is with options and futures contracts. In many years that industry as a whole suffers huge losses. U.S. airlines had net losses of $9.1 billion in 2005 that they had to make up or die. Fuel prices are hitting them hard then there are terminal fees. They have to try and keep the aircraft safe on an almost non-existant budget. I am actually stunned that there have not been more airlines failing than has happened.

[ackbar]

You are also forgetting that many people try NOT to fly now because of this security theatre BS. I wonder how much longer airlines can last?

[jojobos]

Also there are astronomical unclaimed mileage points. I am sure with an economy being not so great, more people start using their points which cause them to charge more... :shrug:

[mudra]

First, TSA prohibits passengers bringing bottled water through security. Then, the airlines are going the way of not providing free glasses, of water to passengers on board. Next, they will be charging $2.00 for a bottle of water. Wait, there's more. Snacks and meals on fights will now cost extra. Ouch! $7.00 for a pillow and blanket? Is this some kind of "terrorist" conspiracy or what? >:(


I find the TSA and Homeland Security a bit more terrifying than the possibility of an attack by foreign terrorists. :iagree:

[ackbar]

I find the TSA and Homeland Security a bit more terrifying than the possibility of an attack by foreign terrorists. :iagree:


+1

[bigfoot]

Bring back the train service like it was in the "old days". :)

[mrichelo]

I find the TSA and Homeland Security a bit more terrifying than the possibility of an attack by foreign terrorists. :iagree:



Hopefully so do the foreign terrorists. :)

Mark

[EXCALIBUR]

Also there are astronomical unclaimed mileage points. I am sure with an economy being not so great, more people start using their points which cause them to charge more... :shrug:

I've got UA and NWA mileage points big time. Both airlines keep raising the requirements and just try to use your miles to book a free trip. I'd rather negotiate with a terrorist. >:(

[mudra]

Hopefully so do the foreign terrorists. :)

Mark


I sincerely hope that the TSA is doing no more and no less than is necessary to keep air travel secure...

...but I think it would really be better if the airlines themselves were individually responsible for their own security (and thus liable for anything that happens due to a lack of such security). I suspect they would figure out pretty quick exactly what security measures are necessary and sufficient to do the job, and which are just costing money and annoying people (and thus losing business). The TSA has no real incentive to cut back on their activities, even if those activities are overkill. Unlike the airlines, they are not subject to competition: it's in their interest to expand as much as they can because we can't move our business elsewhere. They have a monopoly on air travel security, as it were.

[Zwiebelkeks]

You guys probably have already heard about this, but check out what Ryanair is up to (Link (http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/02/27/ryanair.toilet.charges/)). Now this is more than ridiculous.


What's next, something like this?
http://17.media.tumblr.com/b9vfl4b63kgpzvme6ebqSZNUo1_400.jpg

[froldt]

I flew from the US to Ireland at the end of January, and got around both the "can't bring water" through security and "no free pillow/blanket" on the airplane (which mine did have, actually).

As for the water, I simply had brought an empty water bottle (generic water bottle from the grocery store, not a Nalgene or anything). I left it in my carry-on bag and once past security simply stopped at a water-fountain and filled it up. With the throw-away bottle, I had no concerns of being told to throw it away.

A travel pillow and cheap fleece blanket/throw was also included in my carry-on luggage. I had a nice comfy pillow that has served me well while watching TV at home, on the plane, as well as on train and bus rides. Yes, these items took up some carry-on space, but it was an over-night flight and I wanted to be comfortable. Plus they are multiple-use items and have also come in handy when staying at hostels.

YMMV

[EXCALIBUR]

In cost-cutting move, airline wants fliers to use bathroom before flying

The airline industry's efforts to cut costs at every corner has crossed a new line. The latest report comes from China, where China Southern is urging customers to use the bathroom before boarding their flights, Reuters reports, citing a report from China's Xinhua news agency. The effort isn't part an effort to reduce the weight of fliers, but rather an attempt to reduce the amount of fuel it takes to power the flush of airline toilet at 30,000 feet. China Southern calculates that such a flush uses about a liter of fuel –- or the equivalent of about a quarter of a gallon. "The energy used in one flush is enough for an economical car to run at least 10 kilometers [about 6 miles]," China Southern Captain Liu Zhiyuan is quoted as saying by Xinhua. China Southern is also considering fuel-saving methods already familiar at some U.S. carriers, including yanking pillows, blankets and magazines. In another move, "the company has asked logistics staff to fill the water tank only 60% full," Xinhua writes.

Source: usatoday.com (http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2006/11/in_custcutting_.html)

[Manatakui]

To be fair, EXCALIBUR, it sounds to me as if the airline toilets' ability to flush does consume an inordinate amount of power. o.O Maybe more energy-saving research should go into it. o.o;

[FeebleOldMan]

China Southern calculates that such a flush uses about a liter of fuel –- or the equivalent of about a quarter of a gallon. "The energy used in one flush is enough for an economical car to run at least 10 kilometers [about 6 miles],"


In other words, "Think before you waste, contemplate before you defecate."? :laugh:
:bricks: :mob:

[brix]

You guys probably have already heard about this, but check out what Ryanair is up to (Link (http://www.cnn.com/2009/BUSINESS/02/27/ryanair.toilet.charges/)). Now this is more than ridiculous.


What's next, something like this?
http://17.media.tumblr.com/b9vfl4b63kgpzvme6ebqSZNUo1_400.jpg


I flew Ryanair from London to Italy and they are a no frills airline. The seats were made plastic and they literally charged for EVERYTHING so I am not surprised about Ryanair shenanigans.

[jag-engr]

The only reason that Southwest turned a profit is with options and futures contracts. In many years that industry as a whole suffers huge losses. U.S. airlines had net losses of $9.1 billion in 2005 that they had to make up or die.

The U.S. airline industry as a whole has never turned a profit in any given year.




Bring back the train service like it was in the "old days". :)

The biggest obstacle to that is the train companies themselves. They are uncooperative to change. Trains are the most efficient way to move people and goods over land, though.




The TSA has no real incentive to cut back on their activities, even if those activities are overkill. Unlike the airlines, they are not subject to competition: it's in their interest to expand as much as they can because we can't move our business elsewhere. They have a monopoly on air travel security, as it were.

An astute observation, but I doubt most airline companies could afford to provide the same level of screeening themselves.

[gw812]

To be fair, EXCALIBUR, it sounds to me as if the airline toilets' ability to flush does consume an inordinate amount of power. o.O Maybe more energy-saving research should go into it. o.o;


The research is complete:
The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s squared. Water supply ABOVE the lavatory can use the same force that pulls the waste out of your various tender parts.

[jehan60188]

you should bring one of those crinkly space blankets on board!

[ScarletPimpernel]

Ryanair are the most extreme example of charging extra for as much as possible, but many budget airlines here in UK have additional charges. I won't fly on Ryanair because I think they treat their customers with contempt.

I recently flew a return trip with BMI Baby for the first and last time. I booked online - the ticket price was £17, which with taxes and additional charges turned into £98. Then, because I had a bag to go in the hold, I had to pay £12.99 each way, and then, because of that I couldn't check in on line, and had to pay another £8.99 each way to be allowed to check in at the airport.

However, their special trick was to ask to see your cabin baggage at check in (I had my Max P Falcon II), then let you get to the gate. At the gate, the staff made an announcement that all cabin baggage would be checked prior to boarding - anything that didn't fit in their wire frame would have to be checked in and would be charged at £20. Further, they said that airline policy is to allow one item of cabin baggage per passenger - this included womens' handbags. Cue lots of squeezing handbags into carry-ons, and a long delay whilst the officious staff made a big performance of checking all the bags. Mine fitted easily (it wasn't full), and the harridan looked quite disappointed. Remember, the ground staff have already seen all these bags and said nothing. I thought this was perhaps just overzealous staff, but the same thing happened on the flight back. Coupled with the sour-faced, ill-mannered security staff, it was a miserable journey.

Next week, when I go to the mainland, I'm taking my car and going on the ferry. 8 hours of peace and quiet, free food and a cabin. Quality.