Lily

First of all, airline tickets are LESS

Lily

First of all, airline tickets are LESS today than 1960 up to deregulation. I was a novice in a travel agency when the nonrefundable 'super saver' fares first started. Prior to deregulation, airlines had coach and first class tickets. No penalties. Fares today are about the same as the early 80's..sometimes even less. The point of service fees and penalties is to help bring in revenue to offset the low fares. People, you can't have it both ways. I worked for United Airlines till November '01 and believe me it was amazing how nasty many people are about the service fees. At that time, I was empowered to waive fees. That has since stopped...only supervisors now. BUT I just read today that starting September, United will no longer waive fees for any reason. This should be a great cost saving since it will require fewer customer service agents to be abused. Should have happened years ago!

Bill

I have no problem with unused tickets having no value, however there are valid situations, like accident-closed highways, where flights will be missed. I think that USAir should have a more reasonable standby policy in these cases.<BR>I just finished sending an email to USAir to voice this opinion, and suggest others do likewise.<BR>As a resident of rural PA, USAir is my best option, and I feel like they are cutting their own throat!

lily

Bill...think USAirways throat has been pretty severed already! I imagine all other major airlines will follow. This practice is what got them all in financial trouble to begin with. Offered ridiculous 'sales' and public became used to it .. so wouldn't buy tickets till a 'sale' or 'fare war.' I remember one year reissuing the same ticket about ten times due to fare wars. Air travel is no longer fun. It's like the employees against the company and the airlines are very arrogant with their pitiful attempts at customer service. Now it sounds like the majors are heading for no service..which to me is fine since you know what to expect.

pete

I remember years ago when the airlines tried the "use or lose" rules (about 1985/86 as I recall..). They were slapped with so many discrimination lawsuits they had to rescind the rule.

CoresBoy

Hey there's a plan! Let's start some frivolous lawsuits that will cost everyone money. Why not?