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Aug 19, 2008 -- Full-fare feeing frenzy
It's no surprise that the airlines are feeing us to death. Clark recently saw a story where a reporter called all the full-fares and asked if they would ever consider charging for bathroom use. All six emphatically replied in the negative. But that fact that it even made the news makes you wonder…
About 2 years ago, Clark predicted that airlines would soon be charging you to check a bag. Did he have the gift of prophecy? Not really.
He had just flown Ryanair and was forced to wear 3 levels of clothing so that his suitcase would be light enough to be considered a carryon. So Clark wore 3 pairs of pants, 2 shirts and a sweatshirt over that while flying! His wife even has the pictures to prove it.
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What others are saying
Flight
My family and I flew from Bournemouth ,England to Dublin, Ireland for 1 p (2 cents) each 2 years ago! Oh, that was each way!!! We now live in Apex, NC.
charge for seats
AA3000 also charges for advance seating. They charge $20 per each leg of the trip. Maybe I could take a folding chair on my flight.
American Airlines charges
My daughter and I are flying to Cancun on October 14. I am in Pgh, and my daughter is in Va, near Wash. I made the mistake of letting her book my reservation. She booked me on Cheaptickets. The return flight remains the same as she made it (Cancun to Pit on Aa3000 on Oct. 19). The total was to have been $616. She was to arrive in Cancun 10:20 a.m., having me arrive there at 8:20 p.m., ten hours later. She then suggested that I go to DC, and fly with her to Cancun. I thought that was a good idea, and looked up the cost for that flight, which was $199. I called and was told that it was $259, and that I would get a partial credit for the first reservation change. I now have a reservation from IAD to Cancun and then back to Pittsburgh, at a cost of around $900. I am trying to contact American Airlines to see if I can get a credit. They should have told me to just cancel the orginal flight to Cancun, and just purchase a new ticket. It would have saved me a lot of money. What is my recourse?
Thank you,
Bev Thurner
Clark's Way to Beat the checked luggage chg
I want to see the picture!
cheap airlines
Canada(they also are in Northeast) has a newish discount airline PORTER AIR which is doing the opposite. All you can drink, great food, no luggage requirements. It flies into smaller airports and seems to be doing well. I highly recommend looking at them
Housing Rules
The rules aren't there to benefit the common person. They are set to benefit the big corporations. Any benefit to the common person is purely accidental.
Food
I just don't understand why the airlines have to provide drinks and peanuts/pretzels on flights, particularly those under 2 hours. Surely they could save money that way. It's ridiculous to see flight attendants flying down the aisle to get service done on short flights.
Overcharged for non-needed services
The airlines are nickeling and diming all of us apparently because of fuel cost. But what about all this new gadgets like personal DVD screens and satellite radio? I'd rather pay for fuel instead of a movie.
Cleaning
I don't know how much it cost to clean these clothes after they became drenched with sweat. Also, how much is comfort worth?
Airline add ons
Beware of Spirit airlines, not only do they charge you for your bag (Now quite common) they also charge you to select a SEAT. The charge is an additional $5-$15 per leg of flight, depending on the seat.
Gate Rape
Hilarious!!! That is sooo true!!!
MY HERO!
Clark, I have been an avid fan for umpteen years since our youngest son, also a frugal person, pointed you out to us (wish I could recall how many years ago). Maybe by first using fitted clothing like the olympians wear, I could get by with three, but they would think I was a snow woman on my way to the Artic Circle by the time my atire was complete. How I would love to view your wife's pictures, but I think she can make a fortune should she decide to sell them. Seriously, you have helped us become serious savers. We thank you. We consider you a trusted friend.
Sincerely, Mary Bryan
Clark-dressed to fly?
Clark's lucky he didn't experience TSA gate rape while wearing all that.
