This is simply more fuel for the fire that burns in hatred of the airline companies. A few months ago, when nearly all the major airlines announced their $25 fee for the second piece of checked luggage, I could hardly believe it. I fly to Alaska every few years, and bring home a cooler full of fish. Now I’m going to have to start paying to bring that fish home? I immediately thought of how I could fit a few weeks worth of clothing and fishing gear into a duffel bag small enough to carry on, so that I could avoid paying an extra $50 (round trip).

However, the newest development announced by American Airlines today left my jaw hanging open in disbelief at the complete and utter lack of respect that the company has for their customers (read the article here: American Airlines to slash jobs, charge for bags). They are going to start charging $15 per bag on the first piece of checked luggage. What a horrible idea. The small amount of added revenue will come nowhere close to the amount of lost business that American will experience through such alienation of their customers. Customers around the world have been dealing with more and more injustices just to have the privilege to fly. Enough is enough already. Just a month ago American canceled 3300 flights, leaving a quarter million passengers stranded, due to negligence on their part in meeting a federal aviation safety requirement (read the article here). I myself, when flying home for Christmas last year, waited in the airport for 6 hours worth of delays, then another hour after landing to deboard, and another two hours to get my bags. Needless to say, I was not pleased with my flight experience that day.

American needs to reconsider its motto: “We know why you fly, we’re American Airlines.” At its annual shareholders meeting on Wed 21 May 2008, CEO Gerard Arpey explained, “The industry will not and cannot continue in its current state.” That’s a no brainer. But I (along with the countless investors who dumped the stock on Wed, resulting in its 24% one-day decline) don’t think that nickel-and-diming loyal customers is a step in the right direction.

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