There’s a Charge for That

Posted in In the News | 3 comments

We knew it was coming. They’ve been talking about it for a while, but it seems this time, they’re serious. Ryanair, a low-cost airline based in Ireland, has asked Boeing about creating a bathroom door which is released (unlocked) after coins have been inserted into an appropriate slot. Thats right, there may soon be a charge to use the bathroom.

Also this week, Spirit Airlines announced their intentions to charge passengers for carry-on bags. The fee would be $45 if the charge is being placed at the airport, otherwise passengers can check in online at home and only pay $30 for their bags.

I think charging for the bathroom is just ridiculous. Sure, it’d be nice for the flight attendants on regular domestic, single aisle aircraft because it would drastically cut down on the constant line for the bathroom, but is this humane? American’s just recently got into a hissy fit over being stuck on an airplane waiting for departure for three or more hours even though the airline didn’t cause the delay.. I think people should be lobbying to ensure this ludicrous idea doesn’t come to America. Don’t say “oh it won’t” too quickly, look at Spirit Airlines. Spirit is doing what US Airways can only dream of, charging for everything, BUT the bathroom. This “a-la-carte” mentality can possibly infiltrate our airline industry as well.

As for Spirit and their new bag policy. Bravo! I think people should have to pay to bring a carry-on on the airplane. However, I do believe checked bags should be free. I think that if you want the convenience of walking off the plane with all of your belongings you can and should pay for that. When you purchased your airline ticket you didn’t buy a space for your bag.. you bought a seat from point A to point B for you. Pay for your bag to go in the overhead. This is also another way for airlines to control carry-on items and comply with the FAA’s requirements. The airline can simply stop ‘selling overhead space’ after 50-60 or so bags.. problem solved. If you don’t want to pay, or don’t need your bag right away — you should be able to check it for free.

Flight Attendant’s at Spirit won’t be complaining I’m sure. Boarding will go a lot quicker and there will be less flight attendant’s out on on-the-job injuries due to bags (that they shouldn’t be lifting anyway!). A lot of passengers don’t realize that flight attendants are not on the clock during boarding and are told by their airline not to lift bags on their own.  It is not a part of our job description. If there happens to be an elderly person or a pregnant woman, okay, fine.. I’ll do it. But, if you’re just as healthy or tall as I am, I can “assist you.” That means, you make the initial lift and then I’ll help you from there continue the lift and guide it into the overhead. That’s the official way my airline wants bags to be handled, and I agree with it! I cannot afford to be on disability.

In America you will find some airlines charging for  seats, bags, food, alcohol, headphones, movies, aisle seats, window seats, sodas, juices, water… why not the bathroom? If you buy a drink.. you should know that you may end up buying a visit to the lavatory. Airlines are getting desperate for money and desperate for ways to keep that money flowing.

I’d like to institute a new fee too. Ringing the Call Button. I think it should cost $1 every time you ring it and need us in a non-emergency on board the aircraft. Ringing the call button for the time, our location, if we’re late, did my bag make it, what gate is my connecting flight at will all stop, or, at least we’ll get paid for answering those questions.

Hey, it could happen! The airlines are running out of things to charge for!