US Airways' drink policy may be fluid
US Airways wants its passengers to pay for in-flight beverages -- $2 for soft drinks, $1 for coffee. But there's a loophole. Bob Moon reports.
Airplane snack (iStockPhoto)
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KAI RYSSDAL: Here's the most recent glimpse of how bad it is in the airline industry. As of today US Airways wants its passengers to pay for in-flight beverages. So that'll be 2 bucks, please, for everything from soft drinks to bottled water. Coffee's only a buck.
But notice how we carefully phrased that: US Airways wants you to pay. You might think your options are limited, locked in an aluminum tube at 35,000 feet. But there's a loophole. Here's Marketplace's Bob Moon.
BOB MOON: United Airlines once ran a commercial suggesting the idea of in-flight beverages was as old as the two-seater.
UNITED AIRLINES COMMERCIAL: Let me get this straight. You want coffee? On the plane? While we're in the air? . . . . [music] You're flying the friendly skies.
Now, the industry isn't laughing anymore, though, about the millions spent every year on thirsty passengers. And even though US Airways is the only major carrier charging for beverages so far, you can wager that its rivals are watching carefully to see how it's accepted.
Mike Flores speaks for the US Airways chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants. He complains the carrier is already making vague exceptions for free drinks, if someone needs water to take a pill, or maybe orange juice because they have low blood sugar, or just feel dehydrated. And he fears this is where many passengers sick of being nickle-and-dimed will draw an angry line:
MIKE FLORES: If we see that confrontational behavior, you know, we are going to give away free drinks.
An industry consultant on this kind of a la carte pricing, Jay Sorensen, says bad blood between US Airways and its flight attendants union could doom this new policy:
JAY SORENSEN: I mean, if you're creating an environment in which you're motivating passengers to become unruly to get a free drink, don't be surprised if that happens.
Sorensen says beverage fees have been accepted in Europe, and with operating costs so high, many carriers here may have no other choice.
I'm Bob Moon for Marketplace.
Comments
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From Lehi, UT, 10/15/2009
i don't have a comment, just a question. I know we can't bring water through security, but my son wants to know if we can bring our own mini bottles on the flight? I told him, I hardly think so, but I sure would like your answer.
08/03/2008
if anyone wants to get the airlines attention over silly policies like this, let the dollars do the walking. that's often the best form of communication between airlines and their customers or any business for that matter. economics 101 y'all
From CA, 08/02/2008
i think it will become acceptable
From Moorestown, NJ, 08/02/2008
On the plus side, it will cut down on a lot of trash.
From Cincinnati, OH, 08/02/2008
I fly 100K miles/year, mostly on Delta. I only drink water, however if airlines start charging for it I will be VERY UPSET!
**Travel Tip: Empty water bottle prior to security, TSA won't stop an empty bottle, and refill at gate water fountain.**
From decatur, GA, 08/02/2008
It's for a BOTTLE of water people!! Spirit Charges!! SAS Charges for everything and the Scandinavians Don't have a problem!!You want CHEAPER FARES you can pay for your drink! When you take Amtrack or Geryhound do you get free drinks? No!Airlines are in the Tranportation business not the Fast Food business!!
From Fairbanks, AK, 08/02/2008
Will the TSA change its rules so I can bring water through security? I did this for years, until one day this was "risky behavior..."
From Mesa, AZ, 08/01/2008
Soda, juice, coffee, tea.... O.K.
but WATER, you gotta be kidding me... you can't get it through security.... and they want $2.00 ENOUGH!!! HELP!!!
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