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I'm Sorry | 6:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
My husband works for an airline (unglamorous,important, essential maintenance)

I am sorry for the ridiculous choice our airline and others are adopting to nickel, dime and dollar the flying public to death. (Or death may come from an apoplectic fit over these stupid charges.) Obviously, they didn't do market research with real people before deciding to employ this move.

I'd be interested to know what the average passenger thinks the airlines should do to pay for the unbelievable high cost of jet fuel.
Why Airlines Lose Money | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Name another industry where employees and their families get free product or services as a "right" of their employment. Airline employees, their families, and retirees get free travel. It is true that the seat would have been empty anyway, but the weight of passenger and luggage still uses fuel and costs the airlines plenty.

If airlines were serious about cutting costs, cut this very expensive benefit.
Jeff | 8:09 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Obviously, airlines should raise the price of tickets and let potential passengers decide if it's worth it to fly. Airlines would probably end up decreasing the number of flights and having to lay off a bunch of people. Thats the free market at work.
Comments continue below
Nickel and dime | 8:20 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
This is what I feel like when I go to Vegas or on a cruise...tips here, tips there, fees here and fees there...
Utah Transplant | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Doug, thanks for the laugh. You nailed it.

We flew to California this summer, our first flight in 3 years. It is absurd what you go through at the airport. I will say that SLC Airport Security is a lot better that San Francisco. It took about 20 minutes to get through. Then they ransacked my wife's carry-on because of her C-PAP machine. They ransack you luggage, then yell at you to get out of the way of other passengers.
Why Airlines lose money | 9:12 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Airlines don't lose money because of employees getting free flight benefits. Infact its actually a cost saver. All airlines make these folks fly standby, so they only get on the plane when there are empty seats. Plus, airlines like Jetblue require that employees flying help out with cleaning up after the flight, etc to save on costs.
Red | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
WhyAirlinesLoseMoney 8:00 am: "Name another industry where employees and their families get free product or services as a 'right' ..."

Employees of cable/satellite internet and video providers (Comcast, Qwest, etc.) often (always?) get "deluxe" packages free or at greatly reduced cost.

Others, anyone?
Valoy & Ellie Eaton | 9:51 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Reading "PLEASE INSERT 50 CENTS" was a great way to start the day!
Doug does immune systems | 1:28 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Doug, you have a way of saying what so many feel (on many subjects.) But if we say it, we're just stressed out after we say it.
However,if YOU say it, with your usual wit, we feel better! Must be all those endorphins, and the good jolt to our immune systems, from all the laughing! Thanks!

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