Airline Fares
First off, I am compelled to suggest a caveat. There have been times when my dry cleaning bill has exceeded the cost of my ticket to fly. I have been singularly struck with the inappropriateness of that disparity. Airfare has become commoditized -- travelers expect an extraordinary service and convenience for a small price. Consider the cost to travel a distance equal to that attained in a flight by any other means of travel, including meal and lodging costs -- airfare is remarkably inexpensive. All things considered, there are amazing bargains to be had in airfare, such that, tacking on a, say, $50 each way for two checked bags seems a small price to pay.
That said, my position is that airlines should continue to charge for baggage -- both checked and carry on. Different pricing schedules should apply to baggage, depending on where the baggage will be carried in flight, and depending on size and weight within those two categories. Frequent fliers can join mileage clubs that offer free check-in baggage or free first checked bags -- and neither of these offers are restricted to full-fare travel, although they may be restricted to certain levels in the mileage club.
I certainly don't feel...
This practice works for property tax but not for purchasing services. When I check into a hotel, say one in the Starwood line, I pay for the type of room that I will be staying in. And though I may be able to use the business center and the exercise room, I might not be staying on a floor that has access to the envied "Club Room" where I can receive free breakfast, newspapers, and be served by wait staff. To be sure, at a Holiday Inn Express, I get a continental breakfast at no charge. But be assured, the two experiences are vastly different. The point here is that I get what I pay for and my expectations match what is provided.
As Warren Buffet suggests, you need to get in the field to evaluate the value of a company. Here is one scenario: When I flight British Air out of London, unless I have come on a connecting flight from another country, I cannot check a second bag. Period. And what I can carry on is very strictly limited. British is a premium airlines and has largely stayed out of the checked / carry-on fray. On the other end of the scale, I have on two occasions flown Ryan Air. I…
