Airline Predictions

If you didn't feel violated enough with the full body scans and pat downs, be prepared for more. George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog, is predicting more fees in the future. Hobica posts of list of possible future charges on his website.

Some of the possible fees he predicts will be added are:

Infant fees: He believes airlines will start charging you to hold your baby in your lap during a flight. Europe's Ryanair already is charging passengers around $30 for the tiny passengers.

Lock-in Fees: He thinks airlines may begin to charge you to lock in your rate, while you decide if you need a ticket or not. Several European airlines already charge for the privilege of indecisiveness.

In-person check in fee: Hobica thinks airlines may charge for the privilege to check in with a person instead of online or a kiosk.

Carry-on bag fee: He also believes that more airlines will adopt carry-on bag fees for bags that don't fit under your seat. Some airlines like, Spirit Airlines, already charge $45 for carry-ons.

Hobica's list isn't being received well by some travelers. Many don't want to give airlines any ideas. Airlines don't need any help coming up with ideas to charge passengers more money. They are doing a good job on their own.

Currently, airlines are charging fees for things that used to be free not too long ago. Things like snacks are now $3-$4.50 on American Airlines. Meals on will cost you $6-$8 for the bland mush that passes for food. Continental charges $25 for the 1^st checked bag, $35 for the 2^nd, and a whopping $100 for the 3^rd bag. Air Tran charges $69 for a pet traveling in the carry-on pet carry in the cabin. United charges up to $109 more to travel Economy Plus, economy seats with slightly more leg room. Be sure to check with your airline before you fly. These fees are always changing.

Airline passengers are having fewer and fewer rights, like free peanuts and diet cokes. We are already filling little bottles of shampoo, taking our shoes off, and being felt up by workers. Now the possibility of more fees is adding insult to injury. Many are left feeling helpless to the gouging they feel they are receiving. Some people are opting out of flying completely. Some are flying less because of the inconveniences and costs. People who must fly feel like they have no say so in all the changes that are occurring. This is leaving many frustrated flyers.