American Airlines isn’t the first airline to charge customers for a first checked suitcase, just the first major carrier to do so.
Such a decision was probably inevitable given the industry’s struggle with fuel costs that have nearly doubled over the last year and the public’s aversion to fare hikes. But this nickel-and-dime approach to flying has grown a bit ridiculous — Southwest Airlines even has a commercial that jokes about it — and may have consequences of its own with consumers.
The airlines should just raise fares and get it over with. None of them is making money in the current environment, so they’ll probably all go along. The public may revolt initially, but eventually (as with soaring gas prices) it will adapt.
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