We're Disney Bound

Alaska Airlines has now jumped onto the bandwagon and is now charging for a second bag. I got the word today from a friend. The Charges list are as follows:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air announced April 24, 2008, they are instituting a new fee and increasing charges for other services to align with costs for providing these services and better match industry trends. Many airlines are taking these measures to help offset the high cost of fuel.
Beginning May 21, 2008:
· $100 for carrying a pet in the cabin (presently $75).
· $50 for overweight bags between 51 and 70 pounds (presently $25).
· $75 for unaccompanied minors flying one-way on a nonstop segment (presently $30). $75 for Unaccompanied Minors with a connection (presently $60).
· $15 fee to purchase a ticket from Reservations or at the airport (presently $10).
Beginning this summer:
· $25 or $50 fee for the first excess bag (presently free), which represents:
· Second bag for general customers ($25)
· Third bag for MVP Gold Mileage Plan members ($50)
· Fourth bag for intra-Alaska itineraries ($50)
Since Alaska Airlines is unable to easily program the kiosk and Web check0in option to differentiate purchase dates, the fees will be effective for all tickets, regardless of purchase date. However, Customer Service Agents at the airport will have the ability to make an exception on a case-by-case basis and honor the old fee in the event a customer feels strongly that the old fee should apply.
In general, the fee increaseswill not apply to MVP Gold members, however,MVPs are subject to the increases.
At this time, Alaska Airlines will continue to allow three checked bags free of charge when flying within Alaska (“intra-Alaska”) to continue to support the unique flying for the residents of Alaska.
Military personnel on active duty can be exempted if they make the request at the ticket counter. (The kiosk is unable to recognize this group and will charge normal fees.)
When the second checked bag fee takes effect this summer, programming will be in place to also exempt first class customers. Customers confirmed in the first class cabin at time of fee collection will be exempted from the increased fees. However, if a customer is standing by for first class, fees will not be refunded when the seat is cleared. Conversely, if a confirmed first class customer who has already paid fees then clears in coach on an earlier flight, fees will not be charged.


Not cool at all if you ask me! But what can you do?

This is now cramping Erin and my packing strategy. I could rant for days on how I think this is unfair for those of us flying out of Alaska, but I won't. I'm actually drafting a letter to send to AK Air later this week arguing my point. It's just that Alaskans typically travel outside for longer than a week and as such we pack accordingly and that normally means two bags. ESPECIALLY if you are bringing Alaskan fare down to family.

But whatever.

We spent two hours on the phone today talking about Disney. Yes, we have 255 days until we're actually down there, but we are just so excited it's not even funny.

Tomorrow starts my three weeks of freedom before I start work. I may have to work 6 days a week which I am not looking forward to, but I will make do if I have to. As Erin said today: "Money isn't everything, unless you're going to Disney World." She has a point. This trip is expensive! But, it's cheaper than going to US Nationals or WORLDS so I can handle it! *whew*

Last trip for a while for me. Sad times.