Luggage Fees?

So, I'm going to vent a bit!

A few years ago, a little airline called Spirit Airlines started up and decided it would be fun to charge for every little thing individually - seat assignments, luggage, ect, and since they were a discount airline, it worked OK for them and people didn't seem to mind. Unfortunatly for us, the other airlines (who are not always so discounted) decided "Hey, that's a great idea" and now charge for luggage (due to the extra fuel consumption they say), some charge for seat assignments, and even drinks (although US Air decided to stop charging for drinks when the other big airlines didn't follow suit)

The only airline who didn't do any of this is Southwest. Man, I love that airline! They are the only airline who regulary posts profits when all the other ones don't - how is that? They don't charge for seats, drinks, luggage, or even change fees when you need to make changes to your reservation! Most airlines now charge at least $150.00 in JUST the change fee! Really airlines? You think it costs you that much in processing (when travel agents are usually doing the work - for FREE)?

I'm so sick of having to make sure my clients factor in luggage costs to the cost of their trip. If the airlines need the money, raise the price, don't surprise them at the airport with a luggage fee. The only thing charging fees has done is made everyone try to squeese all their stuff in a carry-on and the cabin is then really stuffed full.

What's next - charging to use the bathroom?