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marge

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June 22, 2010 6:18 pm

Baggage fees never impact my decision to travel because I only have one choice for a regional carrier to take me to an airport hub. I find that people who rarely travel are the most confused by fees and services, expecting the ‘good old days’ of in-flight meals, movies, and free luggage. However, since I often get tickets online and use airlines with code-share agreements, fees across these agreements should be standardized, not individualized.

All OPTIONAL fees should be listed separately. These should be listed prominently on a travel web site, airline web site, ticket counter, and on the boarding pass. I can’t remember how many times I’ve lost my receipt for baggage fees when trying to be reimbursed by my company for business travel, and to have to root through my wallet or purse for a tiny slip of paper is ridiculous.

Make all signs standard for each airline: you don’t need to figure out where each menu item is listed at McDonald’s — they’re all the same to make ordering easier for the customer.

Plain English (and maybe Spanish), written at a fifth grade level. Short and simple: Bag #1 – $15; Bag #2 – $25; Any bag over 50 lbs: $100 (for example).

I wouldn’t reduce my carry-ons if checked baggage were free because I never put my lap-top computer in a checked bag. I carry an overnight bag just in case my checked luggage goes missing (and it has — many times). But a good suggestion about airlines ENFORCING their carry-on bag limits (size and number) would go a long way to reducing traveler frustration.

I also think anyone carrying their belongings in a plastic grocery bag should be stopped at the gate and forced to buy a more sturdy woven bag for a nominal fee.