Paying By Weight
By Fishmomma
@Fishmomma (11658)
United States
June 4, 2008 3:18pm CST
The airlines want to start charging us by the weight of our bags and are weight. Do you think this is fair? How do you feel about getting on the scale to fly?
Fuel costs are on the rise and some airlines its 40% of their costs. One airline is charging $15.00 for one checked bag and another no longer offers snacks.
Eight companies no longer are in business and the rest are in trouble. What do you think would help? I do like what Deutsche Lufthansa is washing their airplanes more often, as dirt on a fuselage increases wind resistance.
2 people like this
5 responses
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I think we're all being shafted. This will result in less air travel, in turn another price increase, more reduction of air travel, etc. People can't afford to drive long distances, they'll just stay home or have computer conferences.
Thank greed for this situation and American complacency. Time to speak up, it's election year and we have a teeny chance to make our voices heard with the two bozos criss-crossing the country trying to make nice to us. 
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
5 Jun 08
Actually, there are a few times where I want to just tell people to vote, as the election in California had a very low number of voters on Tuesday. Many people in California don't bother, as they don't think it matters and when it comes to President the rest of the country has been deciding who is elected for many years. We already know before the polls closed who won.
Thanks Dragon for answering all my tough questions, as I really want to know what others think of the issues facing the country.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I'm sorry, I just realized I'm becoming a boor. I seem to be sticking in that bitter political comment in every other post. Ignore it, and I'll try to do better! 
@kimbers867 (2539)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I flew for the first time in 15 years, back in November. If they are starting to weigh passengers, talk about slowing down the process!!!
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
5 Jun 08
Southwest is already charging some passengers for two seats. Its the airline I always fly on for business. The last time I flew the person in front of me paid for two seats. I was quite surprised; however, he informed me that it isn't the first time he has paid double.
If Southwest charges for luggage, then I will really pay, as last time my checked bag weighed about 100 pounds, as it was full of pet food. This was the cheap way to ship my business needs, as they weren't charging for a check in bag.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I agree with Southwest for charging him for both seats. There was no way anyone could have sat in the second seat, as he did need both. My concern is how many people will do crash diets to lose weight, if the airline charges by the pound.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
7 Jun 08
well they can't go out of business, then what would happen, the prices would go up sky high because there would be no competition and so if this keeps them a float then it is better than nothing literally.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
7 Jun 08
Several airlines this week stated more of their airplanes would not be flying this summer causing a huge jump in prices. I'm changing my plant line, as just can't afford to fly now. Normally, I make a trip to Oregon for supplies, but not this year and my brother isn't coming down either.
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I know i am getting worried i am suppse to fly in july to nh an now I think its going to be a no go cause i won't be able to afford it
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I think this year all businesses that need to use fuel will have to raise prices. I'm not happy about getting on the scale, but understand a business has to make money. Now I should be able to lose some weight to lower my cost to fly, as there is no way I want to pay more for my recent pounds gained during my birthday.
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
5 Jun 08
Frankly, I'm surprised that they haven't done something like this before.
When you think back to only 10-15 years ago, the price of airline tickets went down, at least if you can book way ahead of time. I've always thought that was odd, with the prices of everything else going up so much.
Is it fair that people should pay by weight? I think it is. I've always thought that those who were too big to fit in one seat should have to pay for two, and some airlines started doing that.
If weight is an issue, and we want flying to be safe, then I guess we'll all have to get on a scale.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
5 Jun 08
I remember the cheap flights and it was always cheaper to fly. It was a quick way to do business. If Southwest does go to paying by the pound, then flying won't be a good option for me to fly for my quick business trips. How would they list a good deal online? Would it say if you weigh a certain amount or would they have a range of weights.
I regularly lift weights and muscle weighs more. I would have to pay more than my husband and daughter, as they don't lift weights. It would be the first time I would pay more just to be fit.
