Airlines Get Billions From Unbundled Services 432
Hugh Pickens writes "In hearings before Congress, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said that airlines reported revenue of $7.9 billion from baggage fees and reservation change and cancellation fees in calendar years 2008 and 2009 — fees on unbundled services that once were considered part of the ticket price. 'We believe that the proliferation of these fees and the manner in which they are presented to the traveling public can be confusing and in some cases misleading,' says Robert Rivkin, the Department of Transportation's general counsel. Published fares used by consumers to choose flights don't 'clearly represent the cost of travel when these services are added.' However, Spirit Airlines President and CEO Ben Baldanza defended the practice of unbundling, saying it allows his airline to charge lower fares (PDF) and allows the customers the choice to purchase the services or not."
Re:2+2=5 (Score:3, Funny)
Banks, Airlines, Energy companies, Grocery stores, Gas stations - when does it end?
Girl Scout Cookies . . . ?
Re:So who's to the rescue? (Score:2, Funny)
You're not thinking libertarian enough. We must allow the public to carry firearms through airports again and to exercise their second amendment right to defend themselves against what the common law considers theft. When companies find it too expensive to hire and replace drones to collect these fees, they will stop charging them.
Re:I like it (Score:3, Funny)
My girlfriend's first time was in the backseat of a car.
Comment removed (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Bigotry in any form is an ugly thing (Score:3, Funny)
...but it still comes off as pretty stupid on a site filled with otherwise intelligent people.
I was with you until right there. Are you referring to Slashdot, or did I miss something? Honestly?
Re:I like it (Score:5, Funny)
Generally speaking... Start earlier, plan instead of react, gather your obligations and commitments timewise... If you can't do this, perhaps it's worth re-considering how you've arranged your life. Very few folks on slashdot are short of mental resources. If your life sucks, perhaps a reboot is called for.
So if you can't take six weeks off at once your life sucks?
Boy, you must be a schoolteacher.
Re:I like it (Score:3, Funny)
Excuse me, a bank loan to cross the Atlantic???
Hey, it worked for Chris Columbus.
Was this when he was making the Harry Potter films?