I believe you are justifiably perplexed that fares are ridiculously low, but are you sure you're pointing the finger at the party who deserves the blame? It seems to me the airline which sets the fare should be held responsible. When they lower fares to attract business, and they eventually can't collect enough dollars to offset the cost of operating the flight, is it the customer's fault?



When will we start seeing fees for takeoffs and landings? Sure, you paid the fare for the flight, but that doesn't include the transition from the ground to the air and back. Unless enough passengers pony up the $8 takeoff fee, we're just going to sit here on the taxiway. Landing? That'll be another $12, unless you want a smooth landing, and that will be $15. Wait, the standard fare provides for standard weather for landings -- the visibility today is less than a mile, and the ceiling is 200' -- somebody's gonna hafta pay the sub-VFR landing fee -- $34 for coach, $45 for First.


I've got an idea -- why don't airlines sell tickets for what it costs to operate the flight, with all of the services flying entails -- making the reservation, printing the boarding pass, checking the bags, eating a meal ... and we'll all pay the ticket price, and pilots can start getting paid like pilots again.

Or, just keep on dreaming up more fees. Don't forget to bring some quarters with you to insert in the Lav door to gain entry. More quarters to flush, and yet more for the soap and water to clean up afterwards. $3 to return to the seat you occupied just a few moments ago, please.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Happyville where the local time is now 11:35. We've arrived 4 minutes ahead of schedule, so we won't be able to open the boarding door until our scheduled arrival time. Unless, of course, you are willing to pay the $32.50 early arrival fee. Please have exact change available.







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