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by Brad_Jones from High Point

Last Post 4 hours Ago


The cost of comfort....
Apr 17, 2008 | 5:45 AM
Category: News
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How much is it worth to be comfortable?

 

At least one airline thinks its worth five bucks - US Airways will begin offering air travelers the option of paying extra for an aisle or window seat.  For five dollars, you can make sure you avoid the center seat (which often means less leg and elbow room).  That's five dollars per ticket, so it would mean twice as much for a round trip.

 

When a lot of families buy a car, they're willing to pay more for a bigger model.  They need more room!  So is a five dollar charge too much to ask when airlines are facing tough times?  US Airways is upfront about the reason for the extra charge... they're paying more for fuel and have to find small ways to increase revenue.

 

Is extra comfort worth the cost, or would you put up with a little discomfort to save some cash?  I love to save money, but I think I would pay the five bucks and stretch my legs....

 

What do you think?

11 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 11
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caddyboy read my blog view my photos
Apr 17, 2008 | 8:14 AM

If they enforce it correctly that is fine. Hope that price would not go up as fuel prices increase.
HankHill read my blog
Apr 17, 2008 | 8:15 AM

Brad if I flew a great deal maybe I would feel differently, but by what I know flights are not full and I would roll the dice and take what seat I wanted after taking off without paying the extra
Brad_Jones read my blog
Apr 17, 2008 | 8:47 AM

Hank...

You've got a point. A lot of flights have extra seats. Sounds like it may be worth the gamble.

Think its worth $5 to insure that you (a) arrive on time (b) with your luggage (c) and the airline still be in business when you land?
homeschoolmom read my blog view my photos
Apr 17, 2008 | 9:01 AM

My husband travels alot and I know he would pay an extra $5 or more to insure he got where he was going on time and to actually have his luggage land with him! He hates when he gets stuck in the middle seat, and it happens alot more than you would think. He has started putting stuff in his carry-on to get him through atleast one day in case the luggage does not land with him. He has been caught without luggage to many times.
MaryGarner read my blog view my photos
Apr 17, 2008 | 9:59 AM

Given how much plane tickets are these days, $5 doesn't seem like much. I'd pay it.

Then I'd hope I didn't get the "arm rest hog" next to me. You know, the one you have an elbow war with through the flight? I hate that dude.
flatch read my blog view my photos
Apr 17, 2008 | 10:03 AM

Since Southwest is having so much trouble with their inspections, $5 gets you more leg room and another $5 lets you keep the plane after landing!

Everyone wins!

The above hilarity aside, soon these yahoos will be charging for oxygen and for the cushions you sit on.

Can't you see it? "If you want a posterior cushion, that will be an additional $10. If you want a lumbar cushion, that will be an additional $15. However, this week you can get BOTH for just $23!"

It's a shame all businesses are dying, except for oil, of course.
Axekick read my blog view my photos
Apr 17, 2008 | 5:25 PM

I would pay the extra price. The company I work for has a travel profile on it I asked for an aisle seat and a non smoking hotel room so I guess they would pick up the tab.
mrmajestic read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2008 | 9:27 PM

I fly out of the country three to four times a year. With USAir and British Airways, I've always been able to choose my seat online before I ever get there. I flew domestically with Skybus a few times and paid extra for early boarding and for luggage. If you plan far enough ahead, and go online at 1:30am and after you can purchase first class tickets for about the regular cost of the same tickets, but you need to be savy.
mrmajestic read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2008 | 9:29 PM

savvy
DW45 read my blog view my photos
Apr 19, 2008 | 6:50 PM

I understand the reality of it all.....But by charging extra for something that's supposed to be SOP, are they actually admitting there's a 50/50 chance my luggage won't arrive ?, that my flight will probably be cancelled anyway ?..... - No wonder they're scraping for bucks!!

I realize they're hurting financially (like the rest of the Country), but is the best message they can send their Customers, regarding their service?
ladcrm read my blog view my photos
Apr 20, 2008 | 7:57 AM

I don't understand why airlines are always broke anyway.....You see the airports full all the time....Don't they charge enough????
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Brad_Jones

After many years in journalism, its exciting to see the craft expand and incorporate new technology. We spend long hours trying to get information to people, and I'm finding that this is just another way to do it - one on one.

Member Since: 8/4/2006


 

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