Now that AA has announced that it will begin charging $15 dollars for checking one bag, the internet chat boards are all a tither about how the world is ending, American will be sorry, shock, awe, etc. Folks…chill. Is it the worst thing in the world? Hell no! I know it’s easy for me to say that because I’m exempt from the fee as an AAdvantage elite member.
Do I like the fee? Not really, but I’m sure as hell not upset about it. It may not even stick if competitors don’t match. And seriously folks, I really mean it when I say that the airline industry in general, and AA in particular is faced with a challenge far more daunting than it was facing immediately after 9/11. This business is NOT built for $130 dollar a barrel oil, and there will be changes. This fee is just one.
