Well, it has finally happened. In the latest cost cutting move, free coffee, tea and soft drinks in coach are a thing of the past in coach on U.S. Airways, and alcoholic beverage prices have risen to a completely unreasonable level. Interestingly, the U.S. Airways web site makes this sound like a brand new service, rather than a new charge for something that has been free for years. Since the consumer is again sharing in the airlines profit loss, what do you think will happen the next time they make a billion dollar profit - will they think of the consumer then and bring back free meals in coach? That would only be fair ....
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From the U.S. Airways web site:
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Buy a meal, a snack or any of your favorite beverages in Coach. All purchases are cash only.
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Just what you ordered... the new In-flight Café
Enjoy delicious fresh meals and popular snacks with our all new In-flight Café program. Created with variety in mind, our new healthy, seasonal meals change every other month and are now available for purchase (cash only) onboard select US Airways flights.
*Liquor is not available on US Airways Shuttle flights. Non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary on transatlantic flights and for unaccompanied minors. Products subject to availability. In accordance with federal regulations, only liquor provided and served by flight attendants may be consumed onboard. Alcohol will not be served to passengers younger than 21.
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We understand that the airlines have higher expenses. But they have also had years of prosperity and haven't shared the spoils with passengers, so why should passengers have to pay for the their losses now? $7 for a beer is outrageous and I'm sure the poor flight attendants are not going to enjoy the feedback they get, which is why they were against these charges.
Here is a copy of the email that Gus just sent to U.S. Airways - I encourage you to do the same.
"Dear U.S. Airways,
As a Silver Preferred Dividend Miles member I am writing to you regarding your new beverage charges in coach. While we all understand the rising costs you face, the rest of the public is also facing these rising costs in their day to day lives. You have added many charges over the past few months, and this charge for soft drinks in coach, is going too far. A soft drink probably isn't an unreasonable thing to expect when one purchases a ticket that is still at least a few hundred dollars. The $7 price for a can of beer is outrageous as well. $5 was a lot, but in-line with what some bars might charge, but $7 is simply too high. Remember as you add these charges, that it is still fresh in many passengers' minds the recent years where you had significant profits -- and I don't recall you sharing those profits with passengers via free meals or other perks -- so it is not right to share your losses with passengers either.
Sincerely,
Gus"
Remember, if you eXpect delaYs you can beat them!
Happy Travels
-Gus
