Originally Posted by
ewrbasedpilot
Interesting comments. And then you "expose" yourself saying you'll rent a car? Ever looked at all THEIR nickel and dime expenses? They put the airlines to shame. A $29.95 daily rental is over $50 before they are done tacking on all their "goodies". Oh well, if your time is only worth $8.00 an hour I guess driving is fine. ........ And my time and expertise IS worth more than you might think. Funny how many will pay $75 for a nosebleed section ticket to see a guy play basketball, but won't fork over $200 to fly from LA to NYC in a state of the art airplane to see grandma because it's "too expensive".
Based on my job I can typically "work" my way to and from, gaining value there. Also, the rental car is a moot point. Why? I can rent a car in my hometown for about half of renting it in a big city (ATL, EWR, BNA) and if I fly there I have to rent a car anyway, so it's really no extra cost.
If I can- I teleconference, etc., anything to avoid the TSA, surly gate employees, $8 bagels, etc.
I never said any airline should not charge what they can, nor should employees be paid more- I only said the market sets the value. Hey charge $1200 roundtrip and see how that model works- it's your business. I'm a national sales manager for a large equipment company- I deal with price pressure every day, just like your business. I deal with it but never (well hardly never) whine about it.
I think these fees speak a little bit to poor management, but based on the sales (internet) model you are stuck with I can see why they are being implemented for incremental income. Doesn't mean I have to like them as a consumer.