Airlines!

[Anonymous]

They are just nickeling and dining us all for everything now!! Last night I booked flights (for the first time in a while). Even though I was avoiding budget carriers…they charged extra even for economy seats that they deemed “preferred.” Which could include a middle seat, with no extra legroom, but not in the absolute rear of the plane. Another charges $3 for texts about your flight. So mad!

[Anonymous]

Which airline? Route?

Your post is too vague to be meaningful.

[Anonymous]

I compared more than 8 airlines, so it is rampant. Aer Lingus was the one that charged for texting ($2). United charges extra for a “preferred seat” (just closer to the front of economy.) Most now charge if you want to choose your seat in advance.

The particular airline is not the point. It is an obnoxious industry trend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I compared more than 8 airlines, so it is rampant. Aer Lingus was the one that charged for texting ($2). United charges extra for a “preferred seat” (just closer to the front of economy.) Most now charge if you want to choose your seat in advance.

The particular airline is not the point. It is an obnoxious industry trend.

This is an anonymous forum. Why not post the airline and route? (Noting that even if you booked through an American airline like AA or United they are likely code sharing with a foreign airline if you are traveling to Europe.)

Details matter.

Fwiw, I heard a recent report that airlines are starting to charge for paper tickets.

A credit card affiliated with an airline often helps in terms of selecting seats, free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, etc.

[Anonymous]

NP here I noticed that on British Airways in Jan. To guarantee I could sit with my 10yo on an overnight flight I had to pay extra to choose seats. Even within economy the ones closer to the front of the economy section were more then the seats a few rows back.

[Anonymous]

Yes and then you combine this with the worrisome trend that others are experiencing, with having to garden your reservation because airlines will change on you, cancel flights, switch aircraft and wipe out your seat assignments. It's too stressful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes and then you combine this with the worrisome trend that others are experiencing, with having to garden your reservation because airlines will change on you, cancel flights, switch aircraft and wipe out your seat assignments. It's too stressful.

Which airlines?

I’ve mostly heard about this on European airlines. Have you experienced this on domestic airlines when flying to Europe? I was planning to book a domestic airline to avoid such issues.

[Anonymous]

I rencently learned that without airline status you do not even see all the available seats. Regardless of how much you are willing to pay for an aisle. They are not even an option for those of us without status.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I rencently learned that without airline status you do not even see all the available seats. Regardless of how much you are willing to pay for an aisle. They are not even an option for those of us without status.

That may be true but mostly applies to legacy carriers. Budget and low cost carriers don't have that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I compared more than 8 airlines, so it is rampant. Aer Lingus was the one that charged for texting ($2). United charges extra for a “preferred seat” (just closer to the front of economy.) Most now charge if you want to choose your seat in advance.

The particular airline is not the point. It is an obnoxious industry trend.

This is an anonymous forum. Why not post the airline and route? (Noting that even if you booked through an American airline like AA or United they are likely code sharing with a foreign airline if you are traveling to Europe.)

Details matter.

Fwiw, I heard a recent report that airlines are starting to charge for paper tickets.

A credit card affiliated with an airline often helps in terms of selecting seats, free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, etc.

I have the United Explorer card. Even if you fly just a couple times per year it’s worth it. Getting status helps even more. On United even if you’re Silver or Gold, which aren’t difficult to get, the perks are nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I compared more than 8 airlines, so it is rampant. Aer Lingus was the one that charged for texting ($2). United charges extra for a “preferred seat” (just closer to the front of economy.) Most now charge if you want to choose your seat in advance.

The particular airline is not the point. It is an obnoxious industry trend.

OK -- some airline economics. What you pay for your ticket does not pay for your share of the plane's cost. Tickets need to be way way more expensive to over costs but people will not pay so they go at it this way. The entire profit on a flight is first class or bus class.

[Anonymous]

I have no airline status and have no trouble getting free seats for my family. You must be booking at the last minute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no airline status and have no trouble getting free seats for my family. You must be booking at the last minute.

You are wrong (or your kids are very young).

Many airlines now charge for seat selection in advance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I compared more than 8 airlines, so it is rampant. Aer Lingus was the one that charged for texting ($2). United charges extra for a “preferred seat” (just closer to the front of economy.) Most now charge if you want to choose your seat in advance.

The particular airline is not the point. It is an obnoxious industry trend.

OK -- some airline economics. What you pay for your ticket does not pay for your share of the plane's cost. Tickets need to be way way more expensive to over costs but people will not pay so they go at it this way. The entire profit on a flight is first class or bus class.

Why are they charging for things that were free in the past?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I compared more than 8 airlines, so it is rampant. Aer Lingus was the one that charged for texting ($2). United charges extra for a “preferred seat” (just closer to the front of economy.) Most now charge if you want to choose your seat in advance.

The particular airline is not the point. It is an obnoxious industry trend.

OK -- some airline economics. What you pay for your ticket does not pay for your share of the plane's cost. Tickets need to be way way more expensive to over costs but people will not pay so they go at it this way. The entire profit on a flight is first class or bus class.

Why are they charging for things that were free in the past?

Because they can, it’s a business. Flying isn’t a right, it’s a choice.