As we move into an era where passengers on U.S. airlines have gotten used to paying for more and more things that used to be free, one question comes to mind: what’s next?
The following are a few thoughts, some of them already in practice with some overseas airlines:
Paying to check-in with a human. British Midland already actually requires passengers on discount fares to check-in on line or with a kiosk. (No word on what happens if someone shows up and can’t figure the machines out.)
Paying for a seat assignment that isn’t “Economy minus.” United Airlines already charges more for seats with extra legroom, other carriers charge for exit rows and windows and aisles towards the front. Wonder which airline might be the first to charge for any seat assignment that isn’t either a middle seat or in the back of the plane or by the lavatories?.
Paying for any seat assignment. British Airways already restricts seat assignments for discount ticket holders. They can either choose them during online check-in 24 hours in advance, or at the airport.
Paying for headphones to drown out commercials. Many airlines already essentially run commercials on their movie screen. Suppose they could start piping them into the cabin, and charge for headphones that would block them out?
Paying not to board last. Premium passengers already board first. But airlines could institute a second-tier, boarding after the elite and first class fliers, but before the last group. Wonder if travelers would pay for the knowledge that there was still overhead bin space left.
For that matter, charging for the overhead bins. Make time of boarding irrevelant … just turn the overhead bins into coin lockers.
Despite the jokes, it’s hard to imagine airlines charging for use of the lavatories. Toilet paper, towels and soap? Maybe.
And OK, Tripso readers, I am sure you can come up with other ideas. Both serious and tongue-in-cheek welcomed. And quite frankly, today’s tongue-in-cheek might be tomorrow’s revenue source.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
