Charging for checked luggage and legroom isnt enough for some carriers starting today (Aug. 1), coach passengers flying aboard US Airways Inc. must pay for a drink of water.This morning, US Airways began charging fliers $2 for bottled water and sodas and $1 for teas and coffees. First class members, trans-Atlantic passengers and a select group of others are exempt from the extra fees.This is another clever way to masquerade airfare increases without increasing airfares," says Randy Petersen, editor of Inside Flyer Magazine. "Everything has been passed along to the consumer."The Tempe, Ariz.-based airline is among many other carriers scrambling to cut costs and boost revenues amid skyrocketing fuel prices. For now, other major airlines including AMR Corp.s American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc., and Northwest Airlines Corp. say they wont resort to the a la carte beverage system yet but will continue researching all possible ways to save money. Discount carriers AirTran Holdings Inc., JetBlue Airways Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co say they will also continue serving complimentary beverages.Continental Airlines Inc. one of the few airlines left that serves free meals on certain domestic flights says it is unlikely to abandon its free beverage service. Continental says charging for a soda would detract from passenger comfort. "Thats always been our philosophy, and its one that works well with us," says spokeswoman Julie King.http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=575226>1=41000
fucking airlines don't give a shit about passengers, its all about transporting the cattle to the next station. I WANT SUPER FAST TRAINS DAMMIT