TRAVEL: The Airline Soap: Nickeled-and-Dimed | SILICONEER

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TRAVEL:
The Airline Soap: Nickeled-and-Dimed

In the 21st century, the Airlines have turned the N & D into a Billion dollar art form. It all begins with non-refundable tickets, change fee, reservation fees and unaccompanied minor fee, writes our travel editor Al Auger.

The term “Nickel and Dime-ing” has been with us for generations of retail. The system first became a viable part of our conversation with the automobile business. At the height of the selling of American cars in the mid-20th century, this was a major part of the dealer’s profit margin. You walk into the agency looking for the advertised “bargain” at $1,900 and drive out in a not-so-much-a-bargain $2,800. You have just been “Nickeled-and-Dimed” with the unplanned purchase of an automatic transmission, upgrade radio, under-carriage coating, extended warranty and over-sized ashtray.

The next modern convenience to on the system was the cable and satellite TV providers. Take the “budget” tier for example. You get 10 main-line and public stations, maybe 10 cable stations with top level programming, marathon repeat shows, 5 Chinese adventure programs, 10 Japanese news and samurai show, five Latino romance sitcoms, five Filipino news programs and two mysterious shows from Azerbaijan and Moldova.

In the 21st century, the Airlines have turned the N & D into a Billion dollar art form. It all begins with non-refundable tickets, change fee, reservation fees and unaccompanied minor fee.

Thanks to airfare watchdog.com here are a few of the leading proponents of Nickel-and-Dime system:

AMERICAN: Change fee $200; same day change fee, $75; First checked bag $25; second checked bag, $35; Additional bag fee $150. Overweight bags $100 51-70 lbs.; $200 for 71-100 lbs.; oversized bags $200; in-Cabin pet $125-$175.

DELTA: Change fee $200 (up to $450 on some international fares); same day change $50; phone or in-office reservation $25-$35; unaccompanied minor $100; first checked bag $25 - international destination (except Canada or Caribbean) $0; Second checked bag $35 ($40 -$100 for some international destinations); Additional bags $125 for third bag - $200 for each bags 4-10. Overweight bags $90 for 51-70 lbs. - $175 for 71-100 lbs. Oversized bags $175 - $300. (These fees higher or lower for some international destinations and are waived for some elite level frequent flyers, active military, American Express SkyMiles card members, etc.)

JETBLUE: Change fee $75 - $150 depending on cost of ticket. Changes made 60 days or more prior to departure cost $75 no matter the fare. (If reservation not cancelled or changed prior to departure, entire fare is forfeited). First checked bag free; second checked bag $40; additional bags fee $75 each; Overweight bags $50 for 51-100 lbs. - $100 for 71-99 lbs.; Oversize bags $75; Pet flight fee $100.

SOUTHWEST: First bag checked free; second bag checked free; additional bags $50 each for 3-9 bags - $110 each for more; Overweight bags $75; Oversized bags $75; in-cabin pet fee &75.

These prices are simply examples of cost charged throughout the industry as of September 20, 2013. In all cases, carry-on bags are free. For detailed information on each airline go to airfare watchdog.com. Siliconeer is not responsible for any changes made by any airline since September 20, 2013. It is advised to check with the airline at the time of reservation for any additional fees, it will save you from the jolt at the airport.