The world according to…THE AIRLINES

Jun 17, 2008

NEWS YOU CAN USE:
The Rules of Engagement are still changing in the airline industry. Now that many airlines have implemented a per bag charge for checked luggage, get ready for even more stringent carry-on baggage rules. Move over all the dictators in the world; United, USAirways, American and the likes will now be staffing Conan the Barbarian at the airline gates to enforce the carry-on laws that have been so commonly flouted.
The “law” (notice we’ve hardend our verbage over the more flexible word “rule”) states that fliers can take one small bag and one personal item like a purse or briefcase. Despite the anticipation that passengers will try to maximize their carry-on-ability to avoid the checked bag fees, the airlines are adding staff to enforce the previously unenforced law. Size will matter in this vain (and so will quantity). The idea of pulling passengers aside at the boarding gates with too much or oversized carry-on lugguge is floating around the CEO power meetings.
If inflicted with this enforcement, be prepared for additional delays at the check-in lines. And…in their race for space in the overhead bins, get ready for pushy passengers trying to board the planes ahead of all the rest.

Next, they’ll be charging for soft drinks. Oh wait. USAirways will be…starting in August.
Then…get ready for the $.25 deposit slot to recline your seat.