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May 22, 2008 9:34 pm US/Eastern
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New Airline Fees Hurt Passengers, Workers
Changes Are Hurting Workers Such As Skycaps & Limo Drivers
American Also Plans On Cutting Service By About 12%
This Translates To Hundreds Of Workers Laid Off
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
American Airlines is trying to negotiate turbulent financial times by charging passengers more, but not for their tickets.
Starting June 15th, the air carrier will charge $15 each way for the first bag checked. Recently the airline started charging $25 for a second checked bag.
"I think this is outrageous," said airline passenger Roger Weiger, "this is they're trying to rip us off even worse."
Fellow passenger Kayla Lloyd agrees.
"What is that," said Lloyd, "we can't carry all our bags onto the airplane, so we should be able to check our bag for free."
But free bag check could soon be going the way of free peanuts and meals. Airlines say these measures are necessary to pay for the increase in jet fuel.
The airlines aren't the only ones feeling the pain at the pump.
Limo driver Lenny Delia who regularly picks up clients at Miami International Airport said some trips across the county line into Broward just aren't worth his time.
"I must have been there nine hours," said Delia, "and I made probably $150 and the fuel costs me $80."
In addition to drivers, baggage handlers are also impacted. Julio Fernandez said when customers are charged to check a bag, they are sometimes so angry about the fee that they refuse to tip.
In addition to charging for checked bags, American also plans to cut service by up to 12-percent; eliminating 250 flights a day and more than 500 jobs.
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