Readers respond to American’s new charge

Airlines have created plenty of extra fees and charges for services and have increased airfares, all in the name of rising fuel prices and difficult business conditions. The American Airlines decision to charge $15 for a first checked bag, however, is the first of its kind.

Msnbc.com readers were asked to respond, and overwhelmingly blasted the legacy carrier’s decision.

Read on for a selection of e-mailed responses.

“They should just raise the prices. I wouldn't mind paying paying $15 for a checked bag if I got better service and my luggage didn't come off the carousel with some type of damage. What's next, you arrive early to put your own luggage in the belly of the plane? I already see travelers overpacking their carry-ons which causes delays in the security checkpoint lines and also on the plane. The airlines are in the business to transport traveling passengers/customers. I think it is difficult to travel without luggage, especially with children who require car seats and strollers. It's just another way to nickel and dime the customer.”
— Michele, Fairfield, N.J.

“It makes good business sense. There are several airlines in Europe already doing the same thing. While none of them are legacy carriers like American, all the airlines are hurting and have to be creative in generating revenue. I am not surprised by this move at all and I believe that others will follow soon. I'm sure they already thought of this idea. They are just watching public reaction to American Airlines being the first to act. My concern is how this move will add to the excess carry-on luggage problems already at issue. I hope the airlines will enforce the carry-on bag policy and charge passengers accordingly at the gate who try to avoid the new fees by not checking bags at the ticket counter. Just be consistent with the policy.”
— Cielak, San Diego, Calif.

“This is rather short sighted; those passengers that would normally check their one bag, as they should, will now be forced to follow suit of all the inconsiderate travelers who try to carry-on bags that have no business being in overhead bins. This practice is already a problem, and a fee on the first checked bag will only mitigate the issue.”
— Jeff B., Elgin, Ill.

“I don't think negatively of American for doing this. The cost of business, in this case just staying in business, sometimes necessitates increases in costs and costs for services provided gratis prior. I can only hope that gas prices will stabilize, the cost of oil will stabilize and we can figure out a way to make our great country less dependent on foreign crude.”
— Santi H., Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I understand that airlines need to charge more because of increased fuel costs. So raise fares. Charging for bags will only create more havoc and add time to the check-in process. It will also encourage more people to try and fit more carry-ons into limited space. And, after all the bins are full, are the flight attendants going to collect the fees? It makes more sense to charge everyone who's flying, not just those who have baggage. I will avoid doing business with any carrier that tries to recover fuel costs with baggage charges.”
— John G., Holyoke, Mass.

“Charging a fee to put your bags on your flight seems a little greedy to me. It’s one thing to charge extra for optional services, but quite another to charge for something that really isn't a ‘service.’ Having your baggage on the plane is part of the agreement with the airlines when the ticket was purchased. It also seems that the airlines put themselves in precarious financial positions with all these cut-rate ticket prices to fill seats, the price of fuel not withstanding.”
— Tom S., Spokane, Wash.

“I think it is a stupid idea. Why not simply build it into the price? A nickel for this; a dime for that … this is bad business.”
— Eric C., Corona, Calif.

“I have made the travel arrangements for our company and am not impressed that the airlines will be charging for luggage. We are all affected by the fuel and the economy at this time. There are no pay raises, only layoffs and to add this is a slap in the face. There has to be another way to reduce their costs other than charge the American people … the very same who have made America Airlines what it is today. God bless us all during these times.”
— Jennifer, Jacksonville, Fla.

“This is a poor policy that will factor in choosing which airline to fly when there is a choice. It's fair to charge for the second bag but it's ridiculous to charge for the first one. There are some of us, who manage to pack a single bag for a week long business trip, charging for a single bag is really nickel and diming the customer. Anyone that cannot limit their luggage to a single bag deserves to be charged.”
— H.B., Cherry Hill, N.J.

“This is another good reason to take the train. No baggage fees, and no surprise price hikes.”
— George, Dallas

Video   American cuts back on flights May 21: American Airlines is cutting flights, laying off workers and adding new fees as it grapples with surging fuel costs. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports. CNBC

“OK, so let me get this straight. I'm going away for a week and they want to charge me for luggage. They don't want you bring bags on the plane? I think something is really broke with this management team and airline. I won't be flying it anytime soon.”
— Joe, New York, N.Y.

“I think this is ridiculous. With the restrictions on things/sizes you can bring on a plane nowadays … and then to have to PAY to check one bag!!! I have to check my bag with make up, shampoo, hygiene things etc. This probably won't go over very well. I'm sure American will have lots of angry customers. I probably will avoid flying American from now on.”
— Margaux, Minneapolis, Minn.

“Let them go into bankruptcy. With a family of four this will mean an extra $60. How are you supposed to travel without bags? It bothers me when a company tries to hit you with fees instead of just raising the price. I live in Dallas (the hub), but will look for other airlines.”
— Mark, Dallas

“I think every traveler should be allowed at least one checked bag without an additional charge. They do not have enough room for everyone to use carry-on bags and store them. A traveler needs to be able to take clothes with them on a trip.”
Linda, Birmingham, Ala.

“Hmm … a family of four, one checked bag each round trip puts us at $120. And that's after spending $400 per ticket. I think I'll be taking JetBlue from now on.”
— B. Kasdan, Los Angeles

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