In the Race

Actually, I never was sleepy enough on an airplane flight that I would use those grungy pillow and blankets shoved up in the overhead compartments.  I've said it before, airplanes aren't the cleanest places.  They've seen better times. 

I've seen couples make a bee-line for their seats, grab the first pillows and blankets they can find, cover up from head to toe, and sleep through their entire flight..as if they were on a trans-Atlantic flight.  It's like they have a routine down ...they've done that before. 

I'll pass, thank you very much.  That's why the announcement of yet another charge for a service...$7 for a freaking "Snooze Kit" on Jet Blue doesn't bother me, as far as me buying one.  It just bothers me that the airlines mismanaged their businesses and now they are nickel and diming everyone and their brother.

I know, I know...they can do it...and so they will...like charging for water on U.S. Airways.  Whatever.  I can surely last a 2-3 hour flight without a beverage, a pillow, a blanket, a bag of pretzels...and even the bathroom.  Matter of fact, I don't understand why two thirds of an airplane must visit the bathroom on the airplane in the first place.  Next they'll be putting in a coin slot for that too.

But back to pillows....

"The carrier has done away with the recycled blankets and pillows used on its flights, and will begin offering an "eco-friendly" travel blanket and pillow that can be purchased for $7 on flights longer than two hours. The pair will come in a kit with a $5 coupon to home furnishings retailer Bed Bath & Beyond.

The carrier claims the pillow and blanket feature a fabric technology, developed by CleanBrands LLC, that blocks pesky critters like dust mites, mold spores, pollen and pet dander.

JetBlue already offers free "Snooze Kits" on overnight flights from the West that include an eyeshade and ear plugs.

But the blanket and pillow kit is the latest in a string of a la carte items the company says are providing a revenue boost to help offset the soaring price of jet fuel."

and the water...

"This morning, US Airways began charging fliers $2 for bottled water and sodas and $1 for teas and coffees. First class members, trans-Atlantic passengers and a select group of others are exempt from the extra fees.

“This is another clever way to masquerade airfare increases without increasing airfares,” says Randy Petersen, editor of Inside Flyer Magazine. “Everything has been passed along to the consumer.”

The Tempe, Ariz.-based airline is among many other carriers scrambling to cut costs and boost revenues amid skyrocketing fuel prices. For now, other major airlines including AMR Corp.’s American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc., and Northwest Airlines Corp. say they won’t resort to the a la carte beverage system yet but will continue researching all possible ways to save money. Discount carriers AirTran Holdings Inc., JetBlue Airways Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co say they will also continue serving complimentary beverages. "