Do you remember the “good old days” of “no-hassle” flying? You excitedly drove to the airport, parked, walked to the counter to buy your ticket, boarded the plane, took off and were served a free “Coke,” and even a meal on longer flights.
Within a few minutes, you were in Atlanta, and could change planes for flights across the country, or be on the other side of the world in a few hours.
That, of course, was before hijackers and terrorists, who forced upon us early check-ins, baggage checks, electronic security gates, etc.
And now, some airlines strapped for money want to make flying even more difficult. Some want to charge for an advance reservation, charge even for putting a bag in an overhead compartment, charge for food and drink, and charge for other simple services.
U.S. carriers reportedly collected $1.95 billion for extras in just the last three months of last year.
Sadly, the skies aren’t so “friendly” anymore.