Sarcastic references to the “friendly skies” roll on

On some of its Chicago-based flights, United Airlines has begun to charge for those little freebies we’ve all come to expert.  Cookies, candy, chips and trail mix now come in four- to five- ounce sizes called "jumbo" by the airline.  They’ll cost you three bucks.  Oh, and if you’d like a cocktail on your way to Hawaii on United, it’ll cost you a dollar more – six dollars up from five – starting August first.  Those little packs of pretzels and soft drinks are still free … but the airline is considering a charge for soda, as well.

US Airways, a United partner in the Star Alliance, plans to begin charging two dollars for soda and seven dollars for cocktails as of August first.  United expects the new fees and services to generate a billion dollars a year.  Your pocket change is beginning to add up, isn’t it?

1 comment July 9th, 2008