American Nightmare

So American Airlines, a carrier which already gets low marks for its treatment of passengers, which already charges for mediocre food, will start charging $15 bucks a pop for each checked bag. Wonderful. What's next, charging for waiting in line for a ticket? The carriers say they're being squeezed by soaring fuel costs. That means they keep hiking airfares. But charging for checked bags?

So far no other airline has followed American's lead. Maybe they're too embarrassed, as American should be. These are the same airlines that will leave people stranded in planes on the tarmac for hours at a time, without food, fresh air, or an explanation. On time performance is often a joke, and a cruel one at that. What do passengers get for their trouble? Another ridiculous charge.

Sadly, most people will gnash their teeth and pay up. They see no alternative. An airline passenger bill of rights got shot down here in New York by the courts. A national bill is currently stuck in Congress. Obviously our lawmakers don't have to worry about getting to a destination somewhere close to the scheduled time. It would be a pleasant surprise if American experienced a steep drop off in its passenger load, and therefore made no money from the charge for checked bags.

Wishful thinking.

Note: We're off Monday. Be back next Tuesday. Till then, take no shorts!