United Airlines made an announcement a couple weeks ago that slipped under the radar of publicity for the most part. Some observant readers wonder whether this quiet introduction of a new fee will become a new revenue generator for other airlines over the coming weeks and months.
Q. United Airlines announced a $25 charge to check a second piece of luggage on their flights domestically, as well as to and from Canada. Do you think this will be a new irritant that we may soon have to face upon checking in with other airlines, including Canada's carriers?
A. United estimates that this new charge, which comes into effect May 5, will generate more than $100 million dollars in new revenue for the airline. If there is no immediate consumer backlash the fees will become a new reality, and no doubt be slowly increased even more as we become accustomed to paying for the privilege of packing extra socks and underwear. That amount of potential new revenue coming into coffers of airlines, big or small, is sure to have other executives watching closely. Insofar as it becoming a Canadian reality I think we need look no further than the number of code sharing flights Air Canada has with United Airlines alone. Code sharing has become so common in air travel that unless we examine our documents closely, often we are not even sure which airline we will be boarding when we get to the airport. Out of Winnipeg, Air Canada code shares with United on flights to Chicago, and to other destinations from other Canadian gateways. The idea that a customer who is travelling on a United ticket would pay $25 dollars for a second bag, while a person with an Air Canada ticket would be exempt, just doesn't seem feasible. So my prediction is Air Canada will follow suit sooner rather than later. This will bring about a change in the way people will pack and buy luggage. The weight restriction for each bag checked has not changed. Those who were hanging on to their older and heavier luggage sets will be looking seriously at replacing them, if the investment allows them to pack all their belongings in one bag, thus saving $25 each trip. Laundry services at hotels may see an increase, and we may in fact be seeking our travel wardrobes that colour coordinate more effectively. As an addendum to the announcement, after your second checked in bag at $25, the fee goes up to $100 per bag. And overweight and fragile items may now cost you up to $200 per piece.
Q. On a recent trip to Vancouver, the couple sitting next to me wore only shorts, sleeveless shirts, and flip flops over bare feet. Given the possibility of plane malfunction, aren't they taking an unnecessary risk travelling in this manner?
A. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people in shorts and mostly bare-footed on flights I have been on, to and from sun destinations. I have always viewed them as a hardy group, because I find that aircraft flying at 30,000-plus feet, even with heat being pumped into the cabin, can be quite cool. As a result I choose to wear long trousers and a light jacket. I know that most of these people are dropped off and picked up by friends or family at the airport, but your point is well taken. Any prolonged stopover could become decidedly uncomfortable. We can only hope their education does not come with their first extremely negative experience on the ground surrounded by frigid temperatures.
Q. My fiancé and I are planning to get married in Mexico next February. When should we start booking our hotel, and can you give me any tips?
A. It is likely a good time to sit down with a travel agent now, even though the new pricing for next year does not come out for three or four months. By doing so, you can narrow down the selection for the kind of property that best suits your needs and your group. Getting an idea of how many families with children are attending will dictate selection in part. Sending messages out to your invitee list early is important, to avoid them beating you to the punch, by booking their holidays before you have told them to hold your date. Group bookings fall into a different category for tour operators. You want to be sure you are at least on the books for the number of guests likely to attend. February is high season and flights, while not full before August or September, may not have sufficient number of seats left for your wedding numbers if you hold off too long.
Forward your travel questions to askjourneys@journeystravel.ca.
Ron Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB. Previous columns and tips can be found on www.journeystravel.ca.
PREVIOUS
