2008 Woodie Awards
Illini Media
WPGU
buzz
Illio
TechnographCarry-ons no longer as widely accepted
Airlines say they will watch what people bring on board plane
By Chris Kahn, The Associated Press
Posted: 6/30/08 Section: News
PHOENIX - Admit it. That chunky carry-on bag of yours would never fit into the sample box displayed outside the airport gate.
Don't expect that bag to get a free ride for long.
Checked bags are now a moneymaker for US Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines, and officials say they're going to keep a closer watch on how much you take on board as they begin their new baggage fees.
"We're planning on having extra staff where possible, especially at peak times at busy airports," US Airways spokesman Morgan Durrant said.
The airlines point out that the carry-on policy came from the Federal Aviation Administration, not the industry, and they have an obligation to keep people from sneaking bulky bags onto planes to avoid fees. Not only is it unfair to the honest, fee-paying traveler, they say, but it would also overload the overhead bins and force gate crews to delay takeoffs while they checked excess bags.
But the added scrutiny means something else as well. Every passenger - even those not used to checking bags - is going to have to start following the rules.
People who are accustomed to boarding with a large roller case might find themselves handing $15 to an airline employee before they get through security.
"It's up to us to get to them before they get too far in line and say 'Ma'am or sir, you need to check that bag,'" said Mark Dupont, American's senior vice president of airport services planning.
AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, the nation's largest carrier, was the first to announce fees for a single checked bag. It started charging $15 each way for the first bag on tickets purchased June 15 or later.
Dan Weisberg, 51, sympathized with the airlines. Weisberg, a businessman who travels a few times a month, added that he is happy the airlines are devoting extra employees to policing carry-ons.
"This is going to create bedlam in the overhead compartments," Weisberg said.
American, United and US Airways passengers can pay the new bag fees curbside, or at airport ticket counters and kiosks. US Airways and United are working on ways to allow passengers to pay the fees online as well.
Don't expect that bag to get a free ride for long.
Checked bags are now a moneymaker for US Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines, and officials say they're going to keep a closer watch on how much you take on board as they begin their new baggage fees.
"We're planning on having extra staff where possible, especially at peak times at busy airports," US Airways spokesman Morgan Durrant said.
The airlines point out that the carry-on policy came from the Federal Aviation Administration, not the industry, and they have an obligation to keep people from sneaking bulky bags onto planes to avoid fees. Not only is it unfair to the honest, fee-paying traveler, they say, but it would also overload the overhead bins and force gate crews to delay takeoffs while they checked excess bags.
But the added scrutiny means something else as well. Every passenger - even those not used to checking bags - is going to have to start following the rules.
People who are accustomed to boarding with a large roller case might find themselves handing $15 to an airline employee before they get through security.
"It's up to us to get to them before they get too far in line and say 'Ma'am or sir, you need to check that bag,'" said Mark Dupont, American's senior vice president of airport services planning.
AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, the nation's largest carrier, was the first to announce fees for a single checked bag. It started charging $15 each way for the first bag on tickets purchased June 15 or later.
Dan Weisberg, 51, sympathized with the airlines. Weisberg, a businessman who travels a few times a month, added that he is happy the airlines are devoting extra employees to policing carry-ons.
"This is going to create bedlam in the overhead compartments," Weisberg said.
American, United and US Airways passengers can pay the new bag fees curbside, or at airport ticket counters and kiosks. US Airways and United are working on ways to allow passengers to pay the fees online as well.
The Daily Illini encourages on-topic discussion through article commenting on its articles and blogs. It is our policy not to delete any comments based upon political or ideological point of view. However, we reserve the right to remove comments that are abusive, off-topic or use excessive foul language.
The posting of copyrighted material, including any and all content for which you are not the author, is illegal under Federal intellectual property laws. Such activity will not be tolerated. Comments containing copyrighted material will be removed, and continued violation of copyright law is grounds for being banned completely from commenting on DailyIllini.com.
If you feel any post meets these conditions or merits review, please e-mail our editors at meonline@dailyillini.com.
Be the first to comment on this story