Do you think some carriers' fees for the 1st checked bag is a mistake?

Question

I understand the industry is hurting now, but paying a fee for your first checked bag seems absurd and creates a huge hassle for everyone. Why don't airlines just raise the base fares to incorporate the cost? What's next, pay toilets?

Answer 1

personally I think most travellers take way too much luggage with them ... anything that makes them think twice is probably good ... my son and daughter in law went on holiday recently where they charged for checked baggage and it made them think hard about what they actually needed to take and they managed to get it down to two carry-on bags ... when they got back they said how amazed they were (especially my daughter in law who usually takes far too much stuff with her) that they managed so easily ... and also how liberating it was not to have heavy suitcases to carry

my partner is a dedicated minimalist and has taught me to travel light ... you really don't need a huge amount of stuff just for a week

Answer 2

I don't really have a problem with it.. They need to off-set the higher gas prices, but want to maintain the illusion of cheaper fares. It's much easier to nickel & dime people once they've committed. Psychologically, $300 for a ticket 2 weeks ago, plus $40 for a couple bags at the airport, plus $10 for beverages on the plane is a lot better than $350 all at once.

I've flown airlines that charged for pillows and blankets! They do what they need to do to survive.

With gas going the way it is, they're going to have to go back to the way it use to be.. much higher fares. A lot of people will find themselves unable to fly.