In recent years, airlines have found new ways to boost their profits and at the same time annoy fliers. They are charging fees for checked bags, selecting choice seats, consuming snacks among other services that once were included in their ticket prices. Since 2008, their hands have been outstretched, snatching money out of our purses in the form of fees to the tune of $22 billion in 2010 alone ,which is about 5% of the global industry revenue.Carriers are looking to tap into billions and billions of potential revenue and right now are only scratching the surface with baggage and seat fees. Some airlines are already charging fees for early boarding since overhead bin space has become a premium due to an increase in carry-on luggage. So be on the lookout for advanced seat assignment fees, fees to watch movies, fees for WiFi access, fees to purchase food in Coach, fees for transporting minors and pets, fees for having reservations agents book a ticket and perhaps even fees to use the lavatories. As carriers continue to feel the pinch of higher fuel prices, they will get more and more creative with the ways they seek to create new revenue sources.
Ciao,
Vinnie
