American Airlines to begin charging $8 for pillow and blanket on some flights/American to start charging $50 for standby

American Airlines to begin charging $8 for pillow and blanket on some flights
Copyright 2010 Associated Press
8:28 a.m. CST, February 9, 2010
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ct-ap-travel-pillow-blanket-charge-story,0,3693527.story


DALLAS ( AP) — If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines, it's going to cost you.

The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, beginning May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.

Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday it was an economic decision.

"American evaluates all aspects of the business to ensure that economic decisions are prudent and strategic for the long-term success of the company," she said.

Huguely said blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and in all cabins for other international flights.

The airline will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Huguely said.

JetBlue and US Airways charge $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, with US Airways adding eye shades and earplugs.

Airlines have steadily added and increased fees for other services such as checking luggage and buying tickets from a reservation agent since 2008, first to help cover jet fuel costs, then to offset large losses.

American parent AMR Corp. lost $1.47 billion last year — and $3.59 billion in the past two years — as traffic fell during the recession and competition limited American's ability to raise fares.






American to start charging $50 for standby
Copyright 2010 Associated Press
Published on February 10, 2010 12:25 PM
http://www.chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/02/american-to-start-charging-50-for-standby.html


By Mary Ellen Podmolik | Traditional coach passengers on American Airlines no longer will be able to fly standby for free.

The airline announced Wednesday that it was changing its policy and beginning Feb. 22, only its premium customers can fly standby at no charge for flights traveling within and between the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
Customers who want to secure a confirmed flight change will pay $50 to guarantee a seat on an earlier or later same-day flight if a seat is available. American began the confirmed stand-by program in 2005.

The policy change takes effect for tickets sold on or after Feb. 22 for travel on American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection.

American said the policy, similar to programs already in place at some other airlines, will streamline the departure process at the gate.

"It is not inconceivable that you'll find a flight Friday afternoon out of Chicago that you'll find 100 people standing by for it," said spokesman Tim Smith. "And every one of those people must be processed, put onto the next list and put on the next flight if they don't get on. It can be a little chaotic at times."

Customers still able to fly standby for free include first-class, business class and unrestricted economy class customers, active U.S. military personal and members of the airline's executive platinum, platinum and gold loyalty programs as well as premium alliance customers. Also, customers who do not qualify to fly standby for free by themselves, but who are booked with an eligible passenger, may still obtain standby status at no charge, Smith said.