American Airline passengers will pay more to stay warm
The airlines continue to warm up to any new fees. The latest: American Airlines will be charging $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach lass for domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, as of May 1.
Why? Simple economics, says the airline.
"American evaluates all aspects of the business to ensure that economic decisions are prudent and strategic for the long-term success of the company," said a spokeswoman.
She said blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and in all cabins for other international flights.
But that’s not all. Airlines continue to seek tie-ups with others in never-ending efforts to raise new revenues.
American will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond, the spokeswoman said.
Want a bargain? JetBlue and US Airways charge $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, with US Airways adding eye shades and earplugs.
Airlines have steadily added and increased fees for other services such as checking luggage and buying tickets from a reservation agent since 2008, first to help cover jet fuel costs, then to offset large losses.
Most carriers now charge passengers $25 to check one bag, and $35 to check a second bag on domestic flights. Bag fees make up the lion’s share of the ancillary revenue. But the category includes revenue from booking and changing tickets, the sale of food, fees for upgrading seats, and commissions airlines get from selling rental cars and hotel rooms via their websites.
"Welcome to flying in 2010," said consultant Henry Harteveldt. "Other than the basic seat, the only thing you can count on to come with your fare is an oxygen mask and a seat belt."
Ooops, could that be next?
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt