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These are tough economic times for the nation, most would agree, and one hard-hit sector has been the airline sector, specifically the major carriers.Surging fuel costs, the increased precautions and reviews required for the post-September 11 era, and intensifying competition for international routes has led to large losses among many major carriers - - a condition that has forced them to raise fares and implement other cost-cutting changes.
Most have also instituted a baggage fee for a passenger's second bag, with some carriers charging for all bags. Still, for the most part travelers have taken the baggage fees in stride. Although viewed as a nuisance by many travelers, the reality is a second bag, in particular, is optional weight that increases flying costs per mile. And with aviation fuel zooming past latte-price levels, that's no significant expense.
Still, US Airways Inc. may have gone one too far with the fee system. Effective today, US Airways will start charging for water on flights by coach passengers, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday (subscription required). Bottled water will be $2. Passengers flying first class are exempt from the extra fee.
Coffee? Tea? That will be a dollar fee
Further, passengers dismayed by US Airway's fee for water may want to consider coffee or tea. US Airway's will charge only $1 for those drinks, effective today, The Journal reported. Who says requesting a higher-caloric drink does not have its advantages?
Stock analyst and frequent flyer C. Leonard Bauer ain't buying US Airways water, because he isn't flying US Airways, anymore.
"They're off my list. They were never really on my list of major carriers as a first choice, but now they are definitely off my list," Bauer said. "Adios, US Airways."
The normally studied and taciturn Bauer was remonstrative. "The baggage fee was just a sneaky way to increase revenue, rather than do it directly through a fare increase," Bauer said. "But charging for water? Coffee? Soda? It's patently absurd and petty, and totally unbecoming the air travel industry in the United States. It's another black mark for US Air, no question, and I can guarantee you they won't get my business." Bauer added that he does not have a rating on or own shares in any airline.
For now, other major carriers, such as American Airlines (NYSE: AMR), Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines say they won't charge for non-alcohol drinks, The Journal reported Friday.
Dehydration: a factor at altitude?
Bauer said US Airways' fee for drinks may end up creating more problems than the $1 or $2 is worth, in his interpretation.
"At altitude, even though airlines seek to keep cabin humidity at surface levels, the body loses water," Bauer said. "On long flights, particularly with those who tend to dehydrate quicker, such as the some senior citizens, there may be some medical issues. For this reason, I don't think it's wise to charge for water on flights."
Meanwhile, Bauer said he has the "near perfect solution" for potential dehydration issues on US Airways.
"I will never fly US Airways again. Nor will my kids when they're grown up, if I have anything to say about it," Bauer said.
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What's your opinion? Do you think it's fair for US Airways to charge for water on flights? Or is it unreasonable? Let us know what you think.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-02-2008 @ 2:22PM
scott said...
Do all of the companies realize that rising fuel prices also affect the people that buy their product. A dollar for water might not seem like a big deal, but for a person who is have financial troubles, a dollar is a big deal.
8-01-2008 @ 3:42PM
sparks said...
Hey airline execs
wouldn't it be smarter to simply add the 99cents to the ticket of all travelers than to humiliate yourself with pettiness over SELLING some water during flights??? the flite attendants are miffed i am sure, they have to do the 'selling' on board. Maybe we'll get lucky and First Class passengers will drink only half a glass of their water and pass the cup back to the rest of us.
8-01-2008 @ 3:43PM
jj said...
silly and bad business policy
8-01-2008 @ 4:02PM
Kent said...
There may be an underlying reason behind this: airlines want to do away with the hospitality cart. It frees up inventories increasing cashflow and eliminates the service altogether in gradual stages. I for one am all for this move and can do without the service even on a coast to coast trip. Just buy and bring your own drinks before boarding. International flights are a different story.
8-01-2008 @ 7:38PM
travel agent said...
What next!!!! ??? Jumping over a $100 to pick up $1.00.
I guess to make a buck they'd rather loose clients (i've wrote off US airways years ago) Im a travel agent who produces over a million dollars a year alone and my suggestions are a huge factor w/my clients. --- Im really confused w/the logic, loosing passengers for a few bucks & hopefully having space on the flight so that a "buddy" of or employee themself can travel free OR even better flying the plane w/an empty seat. HUM? so does an empty seat really benefit the rising fuel costs & penalties. $1.00 COME ON!!!! lol how about selling 100.00 empty seats at $1.00? Question, so what does the airfare cover again?? :)
8-01-2008 @ 9:55PM
MDillon said...
We lived in Europe from 2001 - 2006. There is a european airline that we took frequently that was a no frills. If you wanted water? Bring it or buy it. No seat assignments, no free peanuts. BUT, we flew from Frankfurt to Rome for $25. If someone could explain that to me, while here we pay for water but my ticket price is still $800, please to do. Yes, the costs there have increased. Now it is closer to $100 to get where you want to go. But no where near what they charge here. And yes, I am a 40 year old taxpaying American with a family of 5 - not a starry eyed 20 year old drifter . . .
8-01-2008 @ 11:47PM
RHibbs said...
And when, I ask, are they going to start to charge a fee by installing pay toilets on airplanes so you can piss out the $2.00 water you bought an hour earlier?
8-02-2008 @ 11:22PM
scott said...
I wouldn't be bad if you could bring water from home. But you are forced to buy water or drinks at the airport (well you can use the fountains I guess).
If I could bring some Pepsi or water in your carry-on, people would care less about the water charge.
8-03-2008 @ 12:53AM
Nooti said...
I feel Leonard Bauer got his analysis wrong. If US Air is off his list, so be it. I am sure there will be someone else who chooses US Air in lieu of Bauer. Not because they are willing to pay $2 for soda or bottled water, but because US Air is on-time and because they tend to serve passengers better. When oil hits $140/barrel how can Bauer, or anyone for that matter, expect to get all 'conventional' benefits on air? Air travel is drifting back to early 90's and late 80's where it is pricey and for passengers who are willing to pay more. It is not logical to expect all the 'perks' in this grim scenario. Also, I agree with Kent in his opinion that the motive behind US Air's move is to gradually vent out sodas on air and reduce load.
8-03-2008 @ 10:21PM
Steve Williams said...
"Pay toilets" on a plane would be just as foolish.
8-06-2008 @ 7:23PM
harry grumet said...
The whole airline price structure is not fair and if it does not change more airlines will go out of business. There is no reason to charge different people different prices every day. I do not know any busines that can get a way with it. Charge what you need to for the flight and keep it fair and keep it simple! kiss..Keep It Simple Stupid. Customers will be more happy at the end of the flight.
8-09-2008 @ 9:01PM
Hombremalo98 said...
The airline is foolish, those petty charges could be avoided by just adding 2 dollars to the ticket cost, we don't know what the heck to pay for a ticket anyhow and get a good deal, most flyers just look for the best price.