• American, JetBlue and Alaska have all raised baggage fees this year.
  • Carriers have changed the price to check a bag depending on whether travelers pay for it in advance or at the airport.
  • Airlines and other companies have been grappling with how to grow profits while reining in costs, such as new labor contracts.
  • TwanHE@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    I’m not an expert but I think the extra amount of fuel a plane uses to do it is going to be more expensive than a bus carrying an extra bag.

      • TwanHE@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Depends on where you need to go honestly. Per km traveled planes are actually unreasonably cheap.

        • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          Cheaper than the same distance by bus? I find that difficult to believe unless you’re talking about budget airlines that don’t allow you to check luggage at all anyway.

          • icedterminal@lemmy.world
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            4 months ago

            Boston to Portland. I chose cities at random.

            Greyhound:

            • 1 adult. Includes one carry on and one stored. Takes 5 days. Service fee of $4. Total comes to $375 with tax.

            Delta:

            • 1 adult. Includes one carry on. Stored is extra at $30. Takes 9 hours. Total comes to $300 with tax.
          • Hardeehar@lemmy.world
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            4 months ago

            Maybe the convenience of speed as well? A plane will get you coast to coast in just hours vs a bus or train.

            • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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              4 months ago

              Are you suggesting people should have to pay a surcharge on putting their property on a plane because the plane is faster than a bus? Isn’t that why the tickets are generally more expensive anyway? You seem to be saying that any amount of surcharges are acceptable due to speed and fuel costs.

          • TwanHE@lemmy.world
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            4 months ago

            Flying between major cities in the EU can be cheaper than taking multiple busses / trains to get there if you buy the tickets way ahead

            If there is a direct touring bus that’s still cheaper.

    • nexas_XIII@lemm.ee
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      4 months ago

      Also if I remember right, any unused space can be used by FedEx/UPS to move packages and the airliners get more money from that than passenger’s bags