bigandy

NewsAmerican Airlines Now Charging Fees To Non-Passengers


FORT WORTH, TX—Cash-strapped American Airlines announced a new series of fees this week that will apply to all customers not currently flying, scheduled to fly, or even thinking about flying aboard the commercial carrier.


American Airlines has promised never to raise its fees for not printing a boarding pass.
The fees, the latest introduced by American Airlines in a continuing effort to combat its financial woes, will take effect on Monday. According to company officials, these charges will include a $25 tax on citizens traveling with any other airline, as well as a mandatory $30 surcharge for passengers who decide to just stay home for the holidays instead.

"Tough times unfortunately mean tough measures," American Airlines president Gerard Arpey said. "It's never an easy decision to ask our loyal customers, as well as thousands of people chosen at random out of a telephone book, to pay a little extra, but that's just the reality of today's economic climate. We hope all Americans will understand this when receiving one of our new bills in the mail."

Arpey said that non-passengers of American Airlines should expect to pay a small fee when making Greyhound bus reservations, choosing to drive to their final destination, or simply being a citizen of the United States with a valid Social Security number.

Arpey went on to note that some additional charges would also apply, including a $15 fee for every piece of luggage customers have inside their bedroom closet, and a one-time payment of $40 for any American whose name is Greg.

"We are confident that these new measures will not discourage customers from flying with American Airlines," vice president Margaret Wilkinson said. "However, we'd like to remind our customers that there is a 'discouraged-from-flying-with-American-Airlines' charge if they do in fact choose not to fly with us."

American Airlines, which posted a $1.45 billion loss in the second quarter of 2008 alone, claimed that the new fees—including the Taking A Shower Fee, the Knowing What An Airplane Looks Like Fee, and the Eating E.L. Fudge Cookies While Watching A Rerun Of House Fee—will help the company rebound. According to internal projections, the airline will recoup $500 million in the next three months alone, with nearly 80 percent of that revenue coming from citizens asleep at home.

"Watching television last night cost me $250," said Baltimore resident Michael Peterson, one of many Americans now forced to pay high airline costs for folding their laundry and going to the ophthalmologist. "It's ridiculous, but what can you do? I guess that's just the price of not flying these days."

"American Airlines charged me for cleaning out my attic," said 74-year-old Samantha Pratt, a New Jersey resident who has not left the state since 2005. "Sure, I didn't have to wait in any long lines, or go through invasive security searches, and I got to clean out my attic, which is something I've been wanting to do for weeks, but come on now."

In response to American's move, other airlines have begun offering more competitive rates. United this week unveiled a new $99 "spend the weekend quietly reading indoors" offer, while Southwest is introducing a $125 round-trip fare for those walking to their corner store for some groceries.

JetBlue, a commercial carrier known for its thrifty rates, has come out ahead of the pack, however, and is being lauded for its decision not to charge non-passengers not to fly.

Despite reduced offers such as these, many remain concerned over the new fees. Some have even expressed doubt about whether they'll be able to afford to see family members they currently live with during Christmas.

"It's just not worth it anymore," said Caroline Huza, an Ohio native and mother of two. "Plus, every time I stay at home, I always get trapped next to some kid who won't stop crying."

boatman22

Looks like a great weekend of racing and a poker run to boot....almost in our back yard..... From TOPPS Clear lake

TOPPS:

Smokin the Sound is right around the corner! Dates are May 20-23 with Smokin the Lake Drag Boats the 14th thru 16th. The Palace Hotel and Casino 800-725-2239 is offering great rates with the code 4947. $69.00 for Thursday and Sunday with Friday and Saturday being $99. That gets you a great weekend with boat facilities for 376.00. The Isle of Capri @ 800 843-4753 has Thursday and Sunday at $99 with $129.00 for Sat and Sunday. No slippage available at the Isle.

Just got off the Phone with Biloxi with more information on the Poker Run! $100.00 entry per boat with extra hands @50.00. Stops to include; The Docks, Ship Island, Palace Casino and more!

Our gracious hosts have TOPPS slippage arranged at Point Cadet for boats. Brochures will be forthcoming to us this week. More information is on the website at www.smokinthesound.com .

Biloxi is looking forward to hosting the premier event of the season and with this being a double sanctioned race it's shaping up to be awesome!

Biloxi is looking forward to hosting TOPPS and the Houston boating community, Lets not disappoint them!



Karen F. Patterson
Secretary, TOPPS 2009/2010
Cell #832-233-3095

wstultz

This thread blows.

BY U BOY

You started it

mba1620

I have been gone for a few months and I come back and this thread is still on the same page. Time for some action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXwnwEDfWZQ

jeff1000man

This doesn't blow. I rigged this bait and hooked it. Then I had to give it to Pappa G. It is his boat though, so I didn't really mind. At least I got to fly it a few times before handing over the rod. It has been a great trip so far. Spk1 went home yesterday. Carolyn goes home tomorrow. I guess it is just me and Steve to keep an eye on papa G until he decides the Bandit needs to go back to Lauderdale.

It has been rough fishing though. 20-25 knot winds the whole time and really rough seas.

Trojan-man

steve looks like a jamaican !!! lol he needs to get out of the sun

wstultz

Jeff, you look like you're about to drop a lung out of your corn hole. Hit the gym dude. Just kidding. Looks like a nice catch and Papa G doesn't look half as tired as SPK1 did. Take it easy SPK, I know Hammerheads are fighters.

jeff1000man

Bandit is not leaving for Ft Lauderdale till Mon or Tues. There are plenty of available bunks.

And Wade, Yes this all day fishing is kicking my Azz. Steve drives the boat, Papa G takes naps and reals in the trophies, and I reel in all the other fish and re bait the hooks and clear the grass.

Tons of work, but it is a great time. I don't know how all those guys that do this every day keep up.

Spk1, thanks for the invite, and get your azz back here.

jeff1000man

Papa G says to ask your girlfriend if it is OK to come fishing with us??