If you're searching for flights next year and end up with a seat on American Airlines, you may notice something is different when you check out. Starting in 2009, the carrier is adopting an a la carte pricing structure. If you're someone who gets frustrated when you have to order side dishes separately from your entree, you might not be a fan of the new system.
An unbundled fee structure means there would be lower base fares and the option to add on extras for, you guessed it, a fee. Air Canada has been using the structure for some time, and while some customers like it because they know where they could be saving money, others feel nickel-and-dimed by having to pay extra for things like headsets. George Hobica, founder of airfarewatchdog.com, says, "The fees are here to stay and there will be more of them. Honestly, I think it's better for consumers. If I pack light, why should I pay for the guy that packs heavy?"
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I'm frugal so I don't care who are what you're charging for as long as the out-the-door price is better.
Sometimes Southwest's out-the-door price is higher than another airline who charges $15 per checked bag. I have an upcoming trip to Nevada, with one carry-on. At the end of it all, Southwest is about $30 more than the airline I'm taking. Their advertising makes it appear like the consumer is getting a better deal, and it makes them think less since they don't have to worry about all the fees.
Even in my daily job, when we submit an itemized quote, clients then start trying to skimp out and reduce costs here and there to get it cheaper, then the time it takes to save them $200 is time we could have been doing other stuff. We try to simply things as much as possible so we don't have to deal with all that.
It is like car sales. On paper, you can get the vehicle to be sold for under invoice, at the same time pay 15% in interest (dealer get's a cut for financing through specific bank depending on contract drafted with the bank when the dealer originally applied for a new dealer sign-up. What sucks for the dealer is when the custy pays the loan off 100% soon after the car was sold and the bank goes after the dealer to collect on the dealer chargeback). Or pay 5% in interest and get the vehicle at little above invoice. At the end of it all you're paying the same amount per month. Of course you can get screwed and pay too much for the vehicle and 14.99%.
1I just want my soda and pretzel packet when the plane first reaches cruising altitude, and my horrendous microwaved rubber meal later on. If I have to pay for it, I will.
Doesn't mean I'll like it, though. I remember the days when that stuff was complimentary, a sort of "thanks for entrusting your life to us, and please don't cause a disturbance" gift from the airline.
2This is the way I look at it. Just charge me whatever you are going to need to charge me in one swoop. I don't want to feel like I am being nickel and dimed along each step of my travel day. Traveling is stressful enough as it is.
3I have my concerns about unbundled prices when you consider that when traveling in the US liquids cannot be taken on board. If there is no more free beverage, don't you wonder just how much the airlines may feel empowered to charge for a can of soda?
4If airlines are raising the airfare for all extras such as checked baggage and snacks, I'd rather have a la carte pricing. This way, passengers are given the option to save. Bundled pricing may be convenient, but not necessary. I'm frugal and I don't like paying for services I have no use for.
5I don't mind a la carte pricing either. I totally agree with the source who says, "If I pack light, why should I pay for the guy that packs heavy?" I am a pretty low-maintenance flier who typically packs light and brings my own headphones and snacks. So it would work out better for me.
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