Just when you think the airlines have exhausted all possible fee possibilities, they come up with a new one: pay to board early.
American’s new "Your Choice" fee package allows travelers in the continental US. to pay, depending on the length of the flight, from US$9 to US$19 each way to board right after premium-status passengers. Travelers with young children or who have special needs will still be able to talk to gate agents and pre-board.
“The package also lets travelers pay US$75 instead of the usual US$150 if they need to change plans and, like premium-status fliers, be able to stand by for another flight the day of their trip at no extra cost,” says USA Today.,
American’s offer comes at a time passengers are jockeying for luggage space in overhead bins to avoid paying extra to check their bags and as flights have become more crowded.
The package is available when booking a trip through the airline’s web site.
Later this summer, the early boarding option will be available by itself for purchase at self-service kiosks in US airports and many overseas for US$10 each way.
"It’s a way for us to present to customers a way they can personalize their flight experience," said Dan Garton, American’s executive vice president of marketing. "These are all privileges or opportunities that people didn’t have before.”
By David Wilkening
