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US Airways to Start Charging for Soft Drinks and Water
By MountainMama | June 13, 2008
Oh, we’ve followed the nickel- and dime-ing of the airline industry since we started Traveling Mamas in January. First it was Southwest Airlines charging for a third checked bag. Later we discussed American Airlines charging customers for travel pillows and making us pay a fee for a first checked bag (with United Airlines and US Airways jumping on that bandwagon yesterday).
But in addition to charging $15 for a first checked bag later this summer, US Airways said it will start charging customers for in-flight beverages. We’re talking no more free Diet Coke, coffee, tomato juice or bottled water.
In addition to current sales of alcoholic beverages on all domestic flights, US Airways will begin selling all non-alcoholic beverages (including sodas, juices, bottled water and coffee) in its domestic coach cabins for $2 effective Aug. 1, 2008. Alcoholic beverages will be available for $7 (currently $5). Complimentary beverages will continue to be served in domestic First Class, US Airways Shuttle flights, trans-Atlantic Envoy and trans-Atlantic economy class. Unaccompanied minors will also receive complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
I just had to pick my jaw up from the ground after reading this. I’m so disillusioned.
But I guess it’s nice to know that if my kids ever travel by themselves, they won’t have to spend their hard-earned allowance on a cup of orange juice.
Bah!
Topics: Flying High, Travel News |
TravelMuse
June 13th, 2008 at
I haven’t flew for a while (about a year). Can you buy your own soda and drink to bring on the plane? What about the security rule about no liquid over 3oz? I mean I won’t mind if I can bring my own. But if I can’t and they will charge me, that’s outrageous.
June 13th, 2008 at
Amy - Great question. You cannot bring any drinks (even sealed bottles of water or never-opened Coke cans) through security. (I suppose you could bring a 3 oz. of juice in a 3 oz. container…)
So, if you want to take drinks on the plane, you’d have to buy them at a shop by the gate — and you know how much airport stuff costs! I bottle of water or soda will likely cost more in the airport than the $2 you’re gonna be charged on the plane for your soda…
June 13th, 2008 at
The last time I bought a bottle of water at an airport it cost right at $2. Judging by the mini bottles of Dasani that most airlines serve, I will be purchasing my drink at the airport news stand. Oh, and my food also. It is still a better value than the $10 turkey sandwiches American charges.
My last walk through security, I had an extra carry bag but security said they DO allow a bag of sealed food items to go through, just not liquids.
As far as giving a comped drink to unaccompanied minors, they damn well better give my kid a coca cola since most airlines charge out the wahoo for a minor’s escort ($50-100 each way).
June 13th, 2008 at
The whole thing is just depressing.
June 13th, 2008 at
Another thing - as long as I’m not alone in my irritation about this - is the unspoken soda rule. You know; ask for a coke, they fill your cup up with ice and then put something like a quarter can’s worth of the soda in it. The flight attendants have always given me the whole can when I ask for it, but I just think we shouldn’t have to ASK.
June 15th, 2008 at
In the financial scheme of things, I do not see how eliminating free drinks will help the airlines become profitable. Come on, how big a savings are we talking here? I understand the airline industry’s struggle with increasing fuel costs, but what about the costs of poor management? I wouldn’t mind paying for a coke or a cup of coffee if the airline execs agreed to a 10% cut in their salaries and stock benefits. It’d be nice to see them share in some of the pain of air travel.
Mammas, love your blog.
June 17th, 2008 at
I’m sure that usairways will still have a beverage service,only with glasses of water,coffee,tea and O.J. Otherwise there would be health related issues during longer flights.I wonder if government have any thing to say about not giving passangers necessary fluids?
August 3rd, 2008 at
I am at a US Airways gate waiting to board to fly from CLT to Philadelphia. I am going to Europe on vacation. The whole experience is very depressing, dirty and awful. I am asking myself why in the world do I want to include travel by plane in my vacation plans.
August 4th, 2008 at
I just flew from Mexico City to Charlotte on Sunday. Not only did US Airways charge for drinks on board, but they searched carry on luggage and confiscated soft drinks and water. That is a new low for an airline.
October 14th, 2008 at
I travelled from NYC-YYZ, bought a one way ticket to YYZ on US Airways only because I had a $50 voucher that US Airways gave me after they screwed up due to their incompetence in their overseas reservation system, which made the fare very cheap. On my flight that lasted about 4 hours from takeoff at LGA, then connecting in PHL to YYZ, service was non-existant. I refused to spend $2.00 for drinks or $1.00 for nasty coffee. On my return from YYZ, I flew for the same price LAN. The flight took 1 hour and included free baggage check, individual video screens in your seats so you could watch movies, TV or listen to music, PLUS a sandwich and free drinks INCLUDING alcaholic. For my weekend trips to YYZ, LAN is the way to go. Maybe AA and the cheap others will look twice.