Exactly, by unbundling the airlines can now quote lowered prices. Chris just mentioned that the prices are lowered than before. I suggest that unbundling is part of the reason. It also gives you an opportunity to avoid certain fees.

For example, I am flying to LA for 2 days this weekend. The base fare is $39 each way. I would rather pay $39 and stuff my clothes into a carryon, rather than pay -say- $49 and have the option of a checking a bag. I’d rather save the $10 and not check luggage.

I have trouble believing that there is any significant portion of the flying public that doesn’t know about luggage fees.

Having said that, I do agree with total disclosure. That could be part of the passengers’s Bill of Rights. For any goods or services which were included within the last 2 years but are now charged for, the airlines would have to prominently disclose said information for two years. That way, the government doesn’t have to get into what is expected to be included in the base fare.

Here it goes anyway. The idea behind unbundling is that airlines, or hotels, or whoever is doing it, is removing parts of the cost of the item: The ability to check a bag or make a reservation.

If that happens, the fare would have to go down, since you’re unbundling. If it stays the same, then it’s not unbundling. It’s a money grab.

So yes, if done right, then prices would come down when you unbundled. I would have no objection to that.

Part two is disclosure. It is dishonest to quote a completely unbundled fare. Why? Because it’s possible to unbundle a fare until it’s at zero. This is totally dishonest.

By disclosure I mean that the fare must be displayed with what everyone agrees are frequently-used options. For example, I want to make a reservation. I want to pay by credit card. I want to check a bag.

Now, if you want to “unbundle” and pay cash at the airport, travel with a carry-on and forgo a confirmed seat, that’s fine. Just uncheck the option and watch the fare go down.

Right now, it’s the other way around. Airlines are waiving these low fares in our faces, and then hitting us with surcharges and fees after we make the reservation.

That’s not honest.

You’ve stated that you wouldn’t object to unbundling services if price went down. Comments?