Us Airways Implements Service Fees

[bookmdano]

Everyone posting here has hit the nail on the head. And just to answer one question, it does not apply to non-rev ticketing or Chairman's Preferred. And if you would like to call in and discuss seat assignments for 2 hours there is no charge. If you would like to call in and debate whether the 2:15pm flight next month on a Thursday will operater on time or if it's going to be delayed or cancelled is free.

 

[KCFlyer]

Like it or not this is the future of the Industry. Passengers are getting the cheaper fares they want BUT they will not get those fares with the same level of service they have ben experiencing in the past. The airport experience will be similiar to buying gas. Walk up put your card in and get gas or walk up put your card in and get your tickets. In fact, it would not surprise me that within the next 12 months if you can self check in and voluntary elect not to do so you would have to pay to check in with a person. The changing world of automation because the more automation the less human beings and less labor cost for the Industry. It really doesn't matter whether you like it or not!!!

[post="176820"][/post]​

I guess that means that the $100 change fee has in effect turned into a $110 change fee, since you have to talk to a res agent to change an existing ticket.

Sorry, but your statement about the airport experience isn't true...I usually fly Southwest. If I want to use a kiosk, I can use a kiosk. But there is a counter fully staffed to handle anything I might need...at no charge. Their website is easy to navigate. But if I have to call them about anything, there's no charge. When you reach a point where you nickle and dime your customers and the only real difference in the experience is that you get an assigned seat, how long before your customers say "to hell with you"?

Shoot, why not charge a $5 seat assignment fee, a $10 fee to sit in an emergency row, a $2.50 surcharge for each carry on bag, a $3 fee for each checked bag, a buck for a coke, two bits for a bottle of water. The possibilites are limitless.

 

[bookmdano]

Everyone here has hit the nail on the head.

 

[lovesthesouth]

After my recent fiasco with booking on USAirways.com I cannot see the logic in this. It's one thing if US Airways had a state of the art website; they do not. Quite frankly, I think this is a real bad idea until they update the technology backbone of their Internet capabilities. I really feel for the rez agents.

[post="176786"][/post]​

I totally agree, this is NOT the time to implement new ridiculous fees, I know we are in dire straits, but we are really going to get complaints on this one. And our website does have some kinks to work out.

 

[bookmdano]

P.S.
Don't take it out on the agent...trust me they won't see 1 red cent of that service fee.

 

[hadEnuff]

I guess that means that the $100 change fee has in effect turned into a $110 change fee, since you have to talk to a res agent to change an existing ticket.

Sorry, but your statement about the airport experience isn't true...I usually fly Southwest. If I want to use a kiosk, I can use a kiosk. But there is a counter fully staffed to handle anything I might need...at no charge. Their website is easy to navigate. But if I have to call them about anything, there's no charge. When you reach a point where you nickle and dime your customers and the only real difference in the experience is that you get an assigned seat, how long before your customers say "to hell with you"?

Shoot, why not charge a $5 seat assignment fee, a $10 fee to sit in an emergency row, a $2.50 surcharge for each carry on bag, a $3 fee for each checked bag, a buck for a coke, two bits for a bottle of water. The possibilites are limitless.

[post="176846"][/post]​

 

[EyeInTheSky]

CAREFUL what you ask for, the Greyhound Bus with Wings (AKA Southwest) has been taken to new level by a European carrier name of Ryan Air. Ryan Air makes SWA look like Singapore Airlines.

Don't give CCY any ideas Please

[post="176860"][/post]​

PineyBob, I don't think anyone from CCY is on here. Must be busy watching their taped TIVO episodes of Jerry Springer.

 

[BoeingBoy]

Saw where NWA is dropping the fee. Since they started this fiasco, maybe this will be the start of ending it.

Jim

 

[EyeInTheSky]

British Airways really started this thing; they've been doing it since June. Leave it to NWA to start a barn burner...

 

[bobcat]

Just another way to drastically lower call volume to get rid of agents and customer service. US agents are soon to be an extinct species.

Just one more reason to vote "NO"!

 

[BoeingBoy]

Eye,

"British Airways really started this thing; they've been doing it since June."

Thanks, I didn't know that.

Jim

 

[Reservation Agent]

Just another reason for people to book with Southwest Airlines that doesn't nickel and dime the public...I don't believe they charge any change fees either on ticket changes...only if there's a difference in a fare do you pay more....No extra fee for calling them and booking with an agent....Hey not everybody has internet access....

I will be very surprised if a group like AARP, seniors or customer doesn't sue the airline for discriminating against them for not buying thier ticket with a computer rather than talking with a person....

Will they charge $5.00 to a sight impared (blind) customer who wants to buy his ticket over the telephone....

Add that $5.00 telephone handling fee, or $10.00 ticket counter fee, to your $100.00 ticket change fee, your $5.00 headset fee, your $25.00 standby fee.....

"Yes Sir your ticket is only $128.00 Round trip, but that'll be an additional $400.00 in service charges, handling fees, taxes, fuel surcharges, segment taxes, PFC's, departure taxes, immigration and customs fees, APHIS Agriculture fees, etc..."

 

[whlinder]

Saw where NWA is dropping the fee. Since they started this fiasco, maybe this will be the start of ending it.

Jim

[post="176944"][/post]​

Are you sure NW is dropping the fee? They announced these fees as well as fees they were going to charge the GDSes. They rescinded the fees on the GDSes but I have not seen where they decided to drop the fee for using a human.

I too forsee a trend towards much more automation of the ticketing/check-in/re-issues process. It won't completely eliminate the need for Customer Service reps, but will continue to reduce the number needed and probably transform the position into one where even more knowledge is required.

 

[MCORORES]

I am totally against this ticketing fee!!!! Like someone else posted Monkey see, Monkey do!!!! Guess what I have always said if other airlines decided to jump off a cliff, we would be right behind them!!!! On the other hand, if OA charges the ticketing fee and we do not IMO that would possibly increase our revenue with more calls from people who think this ticketing fee is just a little out of line.

 

[BoeingBoy]

whlinder,

After looking it up, you are very, very correct. My mistake.

Jim