I found this first article about the Japan airline while looking for crazy crimes for twitter, and decided to see what other non-standard policies have been implemented by the airline industry. Here’s the highlights with all fees converted into U.S. dollars at today’s rates:
A Japan Airline, trying to save fuel, is requiring passengers to pee before they fly. There are “loo monitors” who will escort passengers to the bathroom. No kidding!
British Airways is charging passengers $15-90 to choose their assigned seat.
British Airways is selling space for ads on their boarding passes, if the product has a “strong heritage and parity with BA.” (Might be a good marketing idea for the right book!)
Ryanair passengers must check-in online or pay a $64 mandatory penalty at the airport in order to board the flight.
British Airway launched an all business class flight from New York to London for a bargain $3172.
Southwest Airlines charges $10 if passengers want priority boarding.
If you travel a lot internationally, you can pay Customs and Border Patrol $100 to apply for the Global Entry Program, for a background to clear customs quicker. Oh yes, and if you want to add the FLUX program (for Amsterdam) to your Global pass, you have to be at least 4 feet 11 inches tall, so you can use the iris scan.
Five airlines, including Continental, American and United have implemented a $10 surcharge during the holiday periods.
London Luton Airport charges $1.60 to drop passengers off at the airport. Extra fees will incur if you take too long with hugs and kisses.
Don’t get discouraged though - during my research I found a few good things going on in the air industry:
Here’s an article highlighting travel perks, including frequent flyer miles, bonus miles, kiosks, mobile boarding pass, luggage tags, online check-in, wi-fi access, easy-to-grab take out meals, and the global entry program.
TSA has a link for airport wait times at security. It’s currently under construction, but might be worth bookmarking.
Happy Travels!
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