Since airlines seem determined to keep offering cheap fares, whether they are cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages as an inducement to get people to fly, you can expect them to continue to find other ways to increase their revenues. American Airlines has announced that as of May 1st they will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket set on all domestic flights as well as flights to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, and Mexico.
Mind you, for $8 you are purchasing, not renting, a blue fleece blanket and an inflatable neck pillow.
According to American, this was an economic decision made for prudent and strategic reasons for the long term success of the company.
Blankets will remain complimentary on international flights and on all flights for passengers seated in premium class cabins.
In 2008, JetBlue Airways began selling blanket and pillow packs. Last year US Airways began charging for their sleep kits. Both airlines charge $7 for a blanket and pillow set. US Airways sleep set also includes eye shades and earplugs.
Americans move to charge for blankets is yet another in a series of steps to charge ancillary fees for everything from checking luggage to preferred assigned seating. Initially, these fees were defended as a way to help cover increased jet fuel costs. Giving their increasing use and popularity with the airlines, this revenue is being used to help offset large airline financial losses.
Faced with falling demand during the recession and the limited ability to raise base ticket prices because of competition, Americans parent AMR Corp. lost almost $1.5 billion in 09 and a total of almost $3.6 billion in the past two years.
How soon do you think it will be until all airlines charge for blankets and pillows?