Keith Fitz-Gerald

   

Continental Airlines (CAL) recently joined the ranks of just about every other airline in charging air travelers for their first piece of checked luggage. Now there's a shocker.

Let's face it, it's only a matter of time before the traveling public either starts shipping their belongings to their destination via FedEx (FDX) or United Parcel Service (UPS) or -- even better -- simply buying everything they need once they land.

Hey, that last option would do wonders in stimulating the economy -- let's spread the idea around and see what happens!

PAYING MORE, GETTING LESS

I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of the airlines grumbling and whining.

I'm also frustrated with the endless list of new surcharges the airlines have come up with. Not just the baggage fees, but the nickel-and-diming that's now materializing in the form of $2 sodas, minimum stays in your destination cities -- U.S. Airways (LCC) is instituting two- to three-night or weekend stays, starting in October -- and even membership costs for formerly free frequent-flier programs.

It's just too much, and there's more to come!

Airline representatives and apologist analysts claim the new "fees" are necessary to help offset high fuel costs and to ensure the airlines' survival. Baloney. The airlines can no more surcharge their way to profits than I can go to the moon.

ARE WE JUST PAYING FOR OTHERS' MISTAKES?

The way I look at it, the "surcharges" that are being imposed are a sort of "management incompetence tax" that's being foisted on us to make up for 40 years of airline mismanagement and perennially unprofitable performance.

Once passengers get used to these new "fees," we can only expect to pay more. A lot more and probably for stuff we took for granted. Want a pillow? That will be $3. Maybe even $5 if you actually want a clean one. Blankets are the same deal. And if you actually want a cushion to sit on, that'll be an extra $10 -- $20 if you want a seatbelt to go with it.

Airline representatives will no doubt take issue with my observations and undoubtedly so will my fellow frequent fliers who expect to be "above it all." Get over it, guys. Try flying anywhere with your families in coach the way I do.

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