Comments on: Unbelievable! American Airlines charges $15 for first checked bag http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/ The travel troubleshooter. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:43:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Mark A. Griffin http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-27521 Mark A. Griffin Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:11:21 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-27521 I recently checked through several airports using this bag. I actually had several TSA agents tell me they loved them, because it eliminates less items on the conveyor belt. Think about it, if everyone had one of these we could eliminate a tom of Gray tubs! They have a video on this page that shows how it is used. Peace- http://g-bags.com/ezcheck.html I recently checked through several airports using this bag. I actually had several TSA agents tell me they loved them, because it eliminates less items on the conveyor belt. Think about it, if everyone had one of these we could eliminate a tom of Gray tubs! They have a video on this page that shows how it is used. Peace-
http://g-bags.com/ezcheck.html

]]> By: johnathan Kiser http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-20595 johnathan Kiser Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:48:45 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-20595 I recently purchases tickets for American Airlines to take my two children from Orlando to El Paso after I get back from Iraq in August (2009). Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances in Iraq, I will not be able to get out on the correct date which means I needed to change my tickets for AA. Upon calling, they informed me that there is a mandatory service of $150 per person which equates into $450 with my two kids. My total ticket price was $468. This means that they are charging me 96% of my purchase to make a change. Before I go any further, I do realize that appropriate fees may be necessary and any difference in ticket price (Delta charged me $50 for an international flight), but charges of astronomical proportions are unjust and criminal! Furthermore, I'm appalled to think that this is how “AMERICAN” Airlines treats deployed military/veterans who are serving to protect everyone's freedom and our way of life. It truly repulses me to the core... Good Points Customer services pointed out that they have no fee for standby. So if you want to fly at the last minute and have a large window to play with, you can spend your days duly waiting at the airport to catch a no fee standby flight. Thanks American Airlines, you sure know how to look out for consumer interest... Bad Points American Airlines is a bad point. If it wasn't, it would need to seek government assistance to avoid chapter 11 bankruptcy. When fees become so expensive that they cost more than the good/service purchased, you would think the business might want to re-structure its business model and limit overhead costs back into a realistic margin. Especially when competitors are providing the same service for a fraction of the costs, you would think American Airlines would be looking to match such benefits to maintain its customer base. The customer service department of American airlines seem completely heartless and continuously swimming in a massive pool of intellectual myopia as they could not fathom why service charges of $150 per person for changes made to $150 tickets was preposterous. Neither could the customer service department understand why I would not buy "new" tickets through American Airlines after they basically just stole money from me as I cannot possibly use the service (air travel) paid for. Therefore, American Airlines as a whole is a bad point in my mind. Conclusion I will no longer fly American Airlines as they made no effort to fix an apparently broken system of gross negligence. Additionally, this only further illustrates why American Airlines is continuously struggling and constantly requesting government assistance. Sure, American Airlines made quite the profit off robbing me out of $468 which I have no way of getting back. However, I’m sure their bottom line will suffer (from me at least) as I will never purchase another flight through this airline. Even if that means that I am required to incur a greater cost for their competitor because at least I know the additional cost will be well worth the expense (If the competitor is more expensive in each case). I cannot tell you to fly another airline besides American Airlines, but do ensure that you are fully aware of the risks associated when dealing with a corrupt and vile company such as American Airlines. Also, makes sure you are certain that there will be absolutely no changes required as American Airlines has no apparent idea of “unforeseen circumstances” such as death, delay, Iraq deployment schedule, etc. Again, you are free to buy at you own will, but I do strongly urge you to reconsider alternate airlines as American Airlines is anything but American and the epitome of everything wrong with business practices nowadays. If consumers ban together and boycott businesses such as American Airlines that are ethically and morally irresponsible, these said businesses will be forced to re-evaluate their practices and procedures accordingly. Please pass this message on to as many friends/family members to help prevent them of making the same mistake I made when traveling as hundreds of dollars lost to blood-thirsty businesses can be avoided with proper awareness. I recently purchases tickets for American Airlines to take my two children from Orlando to El Paso after I get back from Iraq in August (2009). Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances in Iraq, I will not be able to get out on the correct date which means I needed to change my tickets for AA. Upon calling, they informed me that there is a mandatory service of $150 per person which equates into $450 with my two kids. My total ticket price was $468. This means that they are charging me 96% of my purchase to make a change. Before I go any further, I do realize that appropriate fees may be necessary and any difference in ticket price (Delta charged me $50 for an international flight), but charges of astronomical proportions are unjust and criminal! Furthermore, I’m appalled to think that this is how “AMERICAN” Airlines treats deployed military/veterans who are serving to protect everyone’s freedom and our way of life. It truly repulses me to the core…
Good Points
Customer services pointed out that they have no fee for standby. So if you want to fly at the last minute and have a large window to play with, you can spend your days duly waiting at the airport to catch a no fee standby flight. Thanks American Airlines, you sure know how to look out for consumer interest…
Bad Points
American Airlines is a bad point. If it wasn’t, it would need to seek government assistance to avoid chapter 11 bankruptcy. When fees become so expensive that they cost more than the good/service purchased, you would think the business might want to re-structure its business model and limit overhead costs back into a realistic margin. Especially when competitors are providing the same service for a fraction of the costs, you would think American Airlines would be looking to match such benefits to maintain its customer base. The customer service department of American airlines seem completely heartless and continuously swimming in a massive pool of intellectual myopia as they could not fathom why service charges of $150 per person for changes made to $150 tickets was preposterous. Neither could the customer service department understand why I would not buy “new” tickets through American Airlines after they basically just stole money from me as I cannot possibly use the service (air travel) paid for. Therefore, American Airlines as a whole is a bad point in my mind.
Conclusion
I will no longer fly American Airlines as they made no effort to fix an apparently broken system of gross negligence. Additionally, this only further illustrates why American Airlines is continuously struggling and constantly requesting government assistance. Sure, American Airlines made quite the profit off robbing me out of $468 which I have no way of getting back. However, I’m sure their bottom line will suffer (from me at least) as I will never purchase another flight through this airline. Even if that means that I am required to incur a greater cost for their competitor because at least I know the additional cost will be well worth the expense (If the competitor is more expensive in each case).
I cannot tell you to fly another airline besides American Airlines, but do ensure that you are fully aware of the risks associated when dealing with a corrupt and vile company such as American Airlines. Also, makes sure you are certain that there will be absolutely no changes required as American Airlines has no apparent idea of “unforeseen circumstances” such as death, delay, Iraq deployment schedule, etc. Again, you are free to buy at you own will, but I do strongly urge you to reconsider alternate airlines as American Airlines is anything but American and the epitome of everything wrong with business practices nowadays. If consumers ban together and boycott businesses such as American Airlines that are ethically and morally irresponsible, these said businesses will be forced to re-evaluate their practices and procedures accordingly. Please pass this message on to as many friends/family members to help prevent them of making the same mistake I made when traveling as hundreds of dollars lost to blood-thirsty businesses can be avoided with proper awareness.

]]> By: Jon Smith http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-18799 Jon Smith Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:10:11 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-18799 Now this is just ridiculous. When you pay for galon of gas at the gas station you know exactly how much it is going to cost you cause are taxes and fees are already included in the displayed price of gas. There is absolutely no reason why airlines wouldnt be able to do it too. You give out every last piece of privacy when you purchase tickets and with their electronic systems they know exactly what airport and other fees are at destination. And the claims that their new charges result from oil price increase is a total bullshit. If they make us believe that their markup is affected so greatly by fluctuation in oil price then they will be out of business bankupted in no time anyway. Now this is just ridiculous. When you pay for galon of gas at the gas station you know exactly how much it is going to cost you cause are taxes and fees are already included in the displayed price of gas. There is absolutely no reason why airlines wouldnt be able to do it too. You give out every last piece of privacy when you purchase tickets and with their electronic systems they know exactly what airport and other fees are at destination. And the claims that their new charges result from oil price increase is a total bullshit. If they make us believe that their markup is affected so greatly by fluctuation in oil price then they will be out of business bankupted in no time anyway.

]]> By: BIT RATE » Blog Archive » Is Time Warner Cable Completely Insane?!? http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-17775 BIT RATE » Blog Archive » Is Time Warner Cable Completely Insane?!? Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:27:12 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-17775 [...] Airlines, for example, now will charge $15 to check your first piece of luggage — unbelievable! and JUST PLAIN NUTS! say [...] [...] Airlines, for example, now will charge $15 to check your first piece of luggage — unbelievable! and JUST PLAIN NUTS! say [...]

]]> By: Warren http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-16967 Warren Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:53:53 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-16967 Beware, AA charged my son fees for his 2 bags even though his tickets were purchased in March 08. He also had first class tickets for his flights but being that AA's (American Eagle) plane was not equipped with first class seating they considered him as flying coach. Beware, AA charged my son fees for his 2 bags even though his tickets were purchased in March 08. He also had first class tickets for his flights but being that AA’s (American Eagle) plane was not equipped with first class seating they considered him as flying coach.

]]> By: Kathi Browne http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-16016 Kathi Browne Sat, 27 Dec 2008 13:31:19 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-16016 We just flew internationally (to Costa Rica for Christmas) and were charged $15 per bag by Continental. Sure would like to know how Yuko paid nothing because we were a family of five (that means $75 to bring clothing). Maybe it had something to do with the origin being outside of the US? We just flew internationally (to Costa Rica for Christmas) and were charged $15 per bag by Continental. Sure would like to know how Yuko paid nothing because we were a family of five (that means $75 to bring clothing). Maybe it had something to do with the origin being outside of the US?

]]> By: Brooke http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-15819 Brooke Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:41:59 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-15819 I have never flown AA, but I am about to in 2 days. I went with AA because it was the cheapest flight I could find. I'm flying from Europe to the U.S. and I really hope I don't regret my decision to save a couple hundred dollars. I've flown Delta internationally and it is wonderful. In regards to what Marta posted about the double standard with international flights, I wouldn't so much call it a double standard. A domestic flight is much cheaper and much shorter than an international flight. Many people fly somewhere domestic and stay for just a few days so, in some cases, it is possible to survive with just a carry-on. On the contrary, it really can't be expected for someone to fly internationally with just a carry-on. I still don't agree for any charge for the first bag no matter where you're going, but if they have to do it, I don't think its a double standard to charge domestic while not charging international. I don't know if I will be charged for the one bag I am bringing with me from Europe, but I certainly hope not. If I am, that is absolutely ridiculous when I just spend over a thousand dollars on a plane ticket. I have never flown AA, but I am about to in 2 days. I went with AA because it was the cheapest flight I could find. I’m flying from Europe to the U.S. and I really hope I don’t regret my decision to save a couple hundred dollars. I’ve flown Delta internationally and it is wonderful.

In regards to what Marta posted about the double standard with international flights, I wouldn’t so much call it a double standard. A domestic flight is much cheaper and much shorter than an international flight. Many people fly somewhere domestic and stay for just a few days so, in some cases, it is possible to survive with just a carry-on. On the contrary, it really can’t be expected for someone to fly internationally with just a carry-on. I still don’t agree for any charge for the first bag no matter where you’re going, but if they have to do it, I don’t think its a double standard to charge domestic while not charging international.

I don’t know if I will be charged for the one bag I am bringing with me from Europe, but I certainly hope not. If I am, that is absolutely ridiculous when I just spend over a thousand dollars on a plane ticket.

]]> By: G.Roy http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-15573 G.Roy Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:55:51 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-15573 My husband and I just flew with Continental and were charged $15.00 for the first checked bag and $25.00 for the second. Unbelievable! My husband and I just flew with Continental and were charged $15.00 for the first checked bag and $25.00 for the second. Unbelievable!

]]> By: Marta E http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-15035 Marta E Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:28:06 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-15035 I flew American Airlines on a domestic fight and yes..I was charged the $15 fee for my checked luggage. But when I picked up my friend Yuko at DFW from an American Airline international flight from Narita here, I saw that she had 4 pieces of luggage..I asked here --How much did you pay for all your luggage!. She looked at me and said..NOthing..I was NOT charged $15 for each piece of luggage..SO what I found was a double standard..Does this fee only apply to US domestic fights or flights originating from the US..I call this an unfair practice on American Airlines part! I flew American Airlines on a domestic fight and yes..I was charged the $15 fee for my checked luggage. But when I picked up my friend Yuko at DFW from an American Airline international flight from Narita here, I saw that she had 4 pieces of luggage..I asked here –How much did you pay for all your luggage!. She looked at me and said..NOthing..I was NOT charged $15 for each piece of luggage..SO what I found was a double standard..Does this fee only apply to US domestic fights or flights originating from the US..I call this an unfair practice on American Airlines part!

]]> By: tripso.com | A good hidden airline fee chart http://www.elliott.org/blog/unbelievable-american-airlines-charges-15-for-first-checked-bag/comment-page-2/#comment-14890 tripso.com | A good hidden airline fee chart Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:20:14 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5028#comment-14890 [...] The most common fees are the 1st-checked bag fees and the 2nd-checked bag fees. These mean an addition of a minimum of $30 to any round-trip airfare when checking a single bag. This 1st-checked bag fee is particularly aimed at families with children. [...] [...] The most common fees are the 1st-checked bag fees and the 2nd-checked bag fees. These mean an addition of a minimum of $30 to any round-trip airfare when checking a single bag. This 1st-checked bag fee is particularly aimed at families with children. [...]

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