More New Airline Fees

Whle the concept of airline fees is hardly a new one, it seems like airlines have started dramatically upping the stakes when it comes to “optional” charges. Air Transat is the most recent, “we don’t charge baggage fees” airline to succumb to the lure of an additional revenue stream.

But fees for checked bags are just the beginning. There are fees for food and beverage, fees for priority boarding, fees for carry-on bags and fees for in-flight entertainment. There are even fees for seat selection, which has made it harder than ever for families travelling with small children to sit together. So fed up are lawmakers with these fees that in the U.S., the new FAA Authorization bill includes a provision that will force airlines to let young children sit next to an accompanying adult. But that provision has failed once before, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

And as new low-cost carriers begin service in Canada, like the return of NewLeaf Travel, it is likely that airline fees are here to stay.

While add-on fees may be here to stay, a recent survey by Flight Network finds that Canadians are not happy about this new normal. After surveying some 700 Canadians, the poll reported that 74 per cent of respondents said they are “Angry” about new fees.

Additionally, 66 per cent of respondents said new fees will make them “Somewhat Likely” or “Likely” to re-think their decision about booking flights with the airlines charging those fees.

Still, with few airlines left that don’t charge baggage fees in Canada, the poll did not query what those alternatives might be. And with all airports across Canada indicating record-breaking passenger loads, it’s clear that while Canadians might be angry about airline fees, they aren’t angry enough to stop flying.

So what fees are Canadians most likely to pay for?

No fees, naturally, topped the poll at 35 per cent. But in second place is meals. Meals.

More Canadians are interested in paying for crappy airline food than they are checking a bag (22 per cent) or even securing a seat in any possition other than the dreaded middle seat (22 per cent.).

Watching movies (13 per cent) clocked in as slightly more important than having a pillow/blanket (11 per cent.) Hello, mobile device much? Really, who still pays for in-flight entertainment?

Sadly, it seems Canadians have little interest in sitting with their kids as only 8 per cent indicated a willingness to pay to sit with them.

For me, my sentiments tend to vary somewhat from the results of this poll. I probably fall in with the 17 per cent of respondents who are “indifferent” to airline fees. I hate them, but I also understand that the cost of doing business in a people-oriented business is incredibly high. Airlines can’t save on expenses by eliminating the human element, so they have to make it up in other ways.

As for which fees I’d be willing to pay. I don’t have children, so that one would likely be low for me as well. Mostly, I HATE sitting in the middle seat, so I would be most like to pay for seat selection. I admit to frequently paying for checked baggage, although I’ve become much more adept at travelling light in the years since checked bag fees began.

Which Fees Are Next

So which airline fees are yet to come? Here are my predictions of new airline fees we’re about to see added in the near future:

• Double baggage fees for passengers on connecting flights. This day is closer than you think, as numerous airlines are already rolling out this announcement.
• Gratuities: Why not borrow from the pages of the cruise lines and charge an across-the-board gratuity charge. (Or else just place a sign over the cabin door saying “tips are welcome.”)
• Restroom fees. Sure, a certain notorious airline already tried that once, but as airlines toy with new revenue streams, it’s only a matter of time until they sell a priority pass—a la Disney’s Fast Pass, with a guaranteed time reservation to use the lavatory.
• Close-in booking fees. Airlines already charge passengers flying “free” with points or miles an extra fee if they book within a short window, so don’t be surprised when this last-minute “processing” fee starts showing up for regular passengers as well.
• Fee I’d be most willing to pay: High-end, in-flight coffee beverages. With the massive profits Starbucks is making, and the long lines at airport Starbucks locations around the world, wouldn’t it make sense to open a mini café on board each plane? I’d think that a small espresso machine and a small variety of pastries could offer massive revenue potential, especially on long-distance flights. Charge $10 or $15 for a combo. It’s a no-brainer, right?
• Other fee I’d be most willing to pay: In-flight chair massages. Come on airlines, stick a massage chair right next to Aero Starbucks and charge $20 for 10 minutes. Money in the bank.

What airline fees would you be most willing to pay? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Follow @MonicaPoling