American Airlines to Charge $8 Per Blanket

(AP)  If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines, it's going to cost you.

The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class on domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, starting May 1.

The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.

Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday that the decision was an economic one. She said blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and in all cabins for other international flights.

The airline will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

JetBlue and US Airways charge $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, with US Airways adding eye shades and earplugs.

American parent AMR Corp. lost $1.47 billion last year - and $3.59 billion in the past two years - as traffic fell during the recession and competition limited American's ability to raise fares.

[Brokennews]

For $8 I'll be walking off the plane with the blanket & pillow!

[signseeker1717]

There are ways to fight back against this nickel-and-dime stuff. I've been flying for years, nationally and internationally, and there ARE ways to deal with this nonsense. Here are a few suggestions: I remember when certain airlines started charging for water, and I was flying on one that charged $2 for a glass of water. I asked a flight attendant: "Do you charge for ICE?" She said no, so I said "OK, I'll just have a glass of ice, and let it melt"(I said it nicely). She was embarrassed, and said, "Never mind - I'll just bring you the water". Even if she hadn't, I really WAS going to just let the ice melt and drink it to prove my point. If that didn't work, I could've also gotten HOT water (as for tea) and poured it over the ice. A few months later, that airline stopped charging for water, maybe a coincidence, but... With older people and children, this "blanket and pillow charge" is unconscionable, but for the rest of us, you can always use coats, sweaters, bring your own, etc. DON'T pay for a TV or movie (you don't really NEED to be entertained every second, do you?; read a book, do a crossword, chat with a neighbor, look at the clouds or just sit quietly and THINK (there's novel idea). Refuse to pay for a "service", use alternatives and POLITELY let the attendants know what you're doing. Try workarounds and guerrilla tactics. You never know - if enough of us PASS on these paid services it might make a difference!

[beaverlarry]

Great comment. I liked the idea of asking for ice.

[IndepTex20]

by I_am_me1953 February 9, 2010 12:23 PM EST
So you are saying that I should wear a condom when having phone sex?

I would say yes, if and only if you are at a public phone!

[signseeker1717]

There are ways to fight back against this nickel-and-dime stuff. I've been flying for years, nationally and internationally, and there ARE ways to deal with this nonsense. Here are a few suggestions: I remember when certain airlines started charging for water, and I was flying on one that charged $2 for a glass of water. I asked a flight attendant: "Do you charge for ICE?" She said no, so I said "OK, I'll just have a glass of ice, and let it melt"(I said it nicely). She was embarrassed, and said, "Never mind - I'll just bring you the water". Even if she hadn't, I really WAS going to just let the ice melt and drink it to prove my point. If that didn't work, I could've also gotten HOT water (as for tea) and poured it over the ice. A few months later, that airline stopped charging for water, maybe a coincidence, but... With older people and children, this "blanket and pillow charge" is unconscionable, but for the rest of us, you can always use coats, sweaters, bring your own, etc. DON'T pay for a TV or movie (you don't really NEED to be entertained every second, do you?; read a book, do a crossword, chat with a neighbor, look at the clouds or just sit quietly and THINK (there's novel idea). Refuse to pay for a "service", use alternatives and POLITELY let the attendants know what you're doing. Try workarounds and guerrilla tactics. You never know - if enough of us PASS on these paid services it might make a difference!

[IndepTex20]

by aubfmet February 9, 2010 10:23 AM EST
You don't need a blanket when you travel on the internet. The times are changing.

That's like saying you don't need protection when your having phone sex!

[I_am_me1953]

So you are saying that I should wear a condom when having phone sex?

[beaverlarry]

"The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America."
Even I, a beaver, know that Hawaii is not an international flight. Unless Hawaii has seceded from the union. Right now, I would rather take a cruise ship than fly with American. Nickel and diming customers all over the place.

[IndepTex20]

You're right Beaver.......even Obama knows Hawaii is one of the 57 states in the union!

[IndepTex20]

Southwest Airlines has got to be loving this stuff!! Bags Fly Free will continue to bury American...........I love it!

[cnlsdad]

I flew AA once and was never so appreciative of Southwest Airlines. Nothing but aggravation with AA and rarely with SWA.

[aubfmet]

You don't need a blanket when you travel on the internet. The times are changing.

[TVO1CITW]

The only problem is that the air fare never changed and for those who want to take luggage and watch movies and, now, want to stay warm will have to pay extra. Hope they do not turn down the temp just to sell extra blankets. That would be piracy!