Much do about airline fees

This week saw the introduction of yet another new airline fee, this time from American.  But the question is: does this really matter?  Let’s dissect exactly what’s causing AA to get such bad PR.

American’s new fee is for non-elite fliers who want to reserve a seat in the first few rows of coach.  It also enables takers to board in the first group, which virtually guarantees space for carry-on bags.  Sold as “Express Seats”, the fees depend on flight length and range between $19 and $39 each way.

Since AA announced this a few days ago, people have been going apoplectic on blogs and news sites all around the country, decrying yet another airline fee.  At the risk of being labeled a defender of airlines and fees, here are three things that have been missing from the virtual shouting match:

1. These fees are totally optional.  AA isn’t charging anyone who wants a seat assignment, just those who decide that a seat near the front and priority boarding are important.  If you don’t want to pay, reserve a seat a few rows back for free.

2. AA isn’t the first airline to charge for certain seats in coach.  In fact, it’s one of the last.  Off the top of my head, I can tell you that United, jetBlue, Continental and Northwest (now Delta) have been charging for “premium” coach seats for years.  And Southwest charges its highest fare for priority boarding, which for them is effectively priority seating.  Where’s the outrage for them?

3. You might actually want to use this service one day.  Whether you have a tight connection or just want off the plane as soon as possible, sitting right by the exit has its advantages.  Why should you get something of value for free?

I’d be upset if AA were charging to reserve any seat.  But a couple rows in the front of coach?  Couldn’t care less.  And let’s not forget that AA’s elites are exempt from these fees and can reserve these seats anytime.  That’s pretty much anyone who flies AA like twice a year (ok not really).  So quit yer whinin’!