American Airlines to charge for checked baggage

[Brian]

Just make sure the new system is not running on Microsoft Servers!

I dont need a ctl-alt-dlt going on while I am in a plane flying over crowded airspace!

[neighbor]

Yeah, I imagine that's what they are doing now... but I think I remember seeing some article a while back about a new system they were trying to create that had too many problems and couldn't be used. I did a quick search on it but couldn't find anything.

Maybe you're thinking about the FAA's NextGen ATC system? It's a new satellite/GPS based system that will cost the FAA an estimated $20 billion. It will also cost carriers an additional $25 billion to retrofit aircraft. The target date is (was) 2025. Good luck.

The FAA is being asked to cut costs, so what are the chances of procuring an additional $20 billion? And airlines are cutting deeper than ever. They don't have the estimated $25 billion for their part either.

And what happens when the tax payers are asked to ante up? Nope, no way, not going to happen.

Here's link describing NextGen: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science ... 19569.html

[skiing1974]

it is nice to see that Exec.Platinum, Platinum and Gold members on AA can still go by the old baggage checking rules, free for up to 2 bags.

[skiing1974]

been loving AA lately, every single leg on my last 3 trips and for the outbound tomorrow I got automatically upgraded on, time to use those 100 "stickers" I got that I could never use as I could never get upgraded. wonder how come all of the sudden I get upgraded on every leg!

[Common Sense Al]

So, now with oil prices much lower, has this extra fee been removed? I haven't heard anything about it being removed.

[Brian]

So, now with oil prices much lower, has this extra fee been removed? I haven't heard anything about it being removed.

You wont see it removed. Ever.

If you want to see where airlines are heading to, just look to the regional European airlines that charge for literally everything including blankets, drinks. Restrooms next?

Be on the lookout for:

1. removed first class seats - United's main planes only have FOUR first class seats.

2. additional charges for "premium" seats - this would include things such as "more legroom seats" such as now in United. Or aisle, exit row, bulk head seats.

3. Modifications in airline point systems - AA already is starting to charge 35k for continental US tickets.

A coworker speculates that you will start to see a division of services - "cheaper" tickets for the masses ie- Southwest, Jetblu, Ted. And certain airlines that will charge premiums for business travelers that can afford to pay more per ticket.

Fun times in the airline industry!