Airlines have launched a lobbying blitz in Brussels to combat efforts to allow larger cabin bags to fly for free.
That frisson of fear felt by many air passengers at the boarding gate about being hit with an extra charge for a carry-on bag is generating a political dogfight.
Spain had enough of the extra fees and fined five airlines for charging people for hand luggage; now the battle over the freedom to stuff a porkier bag into the overhead bin is being joined in other countries.
Consumer organizations from 12 European countries on Wednesday joined Spain’s legal battle against low-cost airlines charging passengers to bring larger carry-on suitcases on board.
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The airlines have created their own problem. By charging extra for hold luggage it incentivizes people getting as much into the cabin as possible.
Reverse it. Make hold luggage free (because it’s the one that’s actually better for the airline) and charge for cabin luggage that’s beyond small light bags.
It’ll also reduce the load on security.
I prefer to check my bag unless it’s a direct flight or very short trip just so I don’t have to deal with my luggage. What annoys me more is that booking sites often don’t include the fees when searching. You already have to put in details to search and a lot of them have options panels for things like departure/arrival times, first class or coach, etc. etc.
Just add a few options for checked bags, carry on bags, etc. and show the real cost. “Budget” airlines often end up more expensive after all the junk fees and since so many people just go with the cheapest flight, every airline is forced to use fees to look competitively priced.
“Budget” airlines often end up more expensive after all the junk fees
One of those budget airlines (famous for its entusiastic abuse of customers) imposes a size limit on carry-on bags that’s about 5cm in each dimension smaller than a standard backpack. And yeah, their junk fees are not only extortionate, but maniacally enforced. I’ve paid more to take a different route to my destination to avoid those evil sons of bitches.
I’ve noticed that car rental agencies are pulling similar junk-fee tricks, as well as fraudulently charging for pre-existing damage and imposing cleaning fees for vehicles returned in spotless condition. They’ve tried both tricks on me recently, despite my scrupulous documentation of the vehicle’s condition, including photos and inspection forms. I was on business travel, so it ended up being handled by my employer’s legal department, but I could easily imagine an individual traveller being harassed to the point of capitulating to the leeches.
