Unfriendly Skies

My husband recently alerted me to the fact that United has changed its checked luggage allowance. They now only allow the regular folk (read: economy passengers) to bring ONE piece of checked luggage. Need to bring another bag? Or a car seat? Or a stroller? Cough up $25. This is the most family-UNfriendly policy change that I can imagine. It is hard enough to cram all the stuff you need into one bag per person. And now you have to pay to bring a car seat? Something your child cannot leave the airport without?

Several other domestic carriers are also lowering their allowance this summer. Alaska, American, Continental, Jet Blue, Northwest, and US Air will only allow one free, checked bag starting this summer. AirTran, Delta, and Southwest still allow you to bring 2 free, checked bags. (For now.) Expedia has an overview of the new policies here and it looks like only American and Continental will exempt car seats and strollers from the second bag fee. I called United to confirm this, because it is so unbelievable, and it's true: if you travel with an infant you have to pay $25 to check their car seat! (Unless you want that to be your only piece of checked luggage.)

I get it that the economy is bad. I get it that fuel prices are through the roof. I get it that the airlines have to pass these expenses on to their customers in order to stay in business. BUT, I don't get why they seem to be passing these expenses on to families or travelers with children. Other people? Just pack lighter. Families? Either leave your kid at home or be prepared to pay extra for the stuff you have to bring with you. You could rent a car seat at your destination. You'd still have to pay extra, but at least the money wouldn't go to the airline.