Sep 21 2008
AA to charge for in-flight breathing
(Fort Worth, Texas) In what many are calling the most aggressive attempt to increase revenues, American Airlines (AA) has announced that they will begin charging customers for breathing. On tickets bought October 31 and after, American will begin charging most customers $35 for breathing oxygen. While customers can bring specially designed oxygen containers which will be available from airport terminal vendors, all other customers must pay the new “oxygen” fee or face dire consequences. The fees apply only to flights within the USA and Canada.
The slight delay in implementing the new oxygen fee is necessary in order for AA to install personal oxygen regulators on all planes. When the new personal oxygen supply systems are in place, all passengers will be required to either pay the new fee or provide evidence that they have purchased a portable oxygen regulator prior to boarding. There will be a small fee of $5, for those customers providing their own breathable air. The delay will also provide time to setup oxygen kiosk vendors of in all domestic terminals.
It was only last May when American Airlines announced that they would begin charging customers for all checked bags, so, for many, the new oxygen fee seems excessive. In response to questions from The Fake News Nightly, AA CEO Gerard Arpey said, “While we understand that this new oxygen fee affects customers, we still believe that our pricing remains extremely competitive in the industry and continues to offer our customers ample choice and value.” Arpey concluded, “The bottom line is that our revenues, which include ticket sales and fees, must keep pace with our increasing costs. It’s not like oxygen is free, so we have to find creative ways to combat rising oxygen prices. At least the bathrooms are still free, well that is, for now they are still free”
