The Consumerist hates US Airways too

Ah, yes... It's another chance to rip on US Airways (and airline who - you guessed it - remains dead to me). I just can't resist it...this time it's via a great blog, The Consumerist, who has ranked the top 3 most and least fee crazy airlines. Guess who's on top?

1. U.S. Airways: Not only does U.S. Airways have the distinction of being the only US airline to charge for water, they were also the first to discontinue free snacks. They've also decided to do away with in-flight entertainment. So what will you think about while you're bored, hungry and thirsty? How about that $15 first checked bag fee, the $25 second checked bag fee, the $5-30$ fee to choose your favorite economy class seat, and the whopping $250 fee you paid to change your ticket. Oh, yeah, and remember when they made everyone crazy by charging a $5 fee to book a ticket... with their own website?

Actually, the $250 fee is what US charges to change an international ticket. It's only $150 to change a domestic USA ticket. A bargain!

Repeat after me: "US Airways sucks and I will do all possible to never fly them again."


2. United Airlines: United is following U.S. Airways lead with a combination of cutting amenities and introducing fees. They've done away with snacks and are selling "snack boxes." Soon, United will be raising the prices for these items and economy class passengers will be expected to pay $9 for a sandwich. While you're munching on that overpriced nonsense, you can add up the following fees: $15 to check your first bag, $25 for the second bag, and $125 for the third. Then there's the $25 you paid to book your ticket over the phone, the $125 you paid for the privilege of traveling with your pet in the cabin, and of course, the $349 per year that you pay to be able to "stretch out and relax in comfort in seats located at the front of the Economy section,".."if available."
3. (tie) Delta Airlines & American Airlines: American was the first airline to charge for the 1st checked bag, and Delta has managed to resist that fee — but Delta's other fees are just so darn expensive that we had to call this one a tie. Ultimately, it costs more to check two bags with Delta than it does with U.S. Airways, United, or American. American currently charges $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second, and from $3-6 for snacks. Delta charges nothing for the first checked bag, but if you're thinking of checking two bags, get ready to pay $50 for the second bag, and $125 for the third bag. Ouch! Delta's snacks are complimentary, but they charge from $1-10 more for certain special items.
   

Hmmm...#3 is a tough one. When I first read that Delta and American were tied, I thought no way, Delta was better here. But, now that American is rolling out inflight wifi - which is a fee I'll gladly pay - I think better of them these days...I can't help it!!

So, who's the top three? Why it's the "no-frills airlines" who have become the "high -frills airlines" these days. #1 least crazy is Southwest Airlines, #2 is AirTran Airways and #3 is JetBlue. I love them all.

Read more about the Consumerist's report by clicking through the link below.

In closing, US Airways sucks and thank you for your time.

Airline Fees: Top 3 Most and Least Crazy Airlines [The Consumerist]
Southwest Airlines [Official Site]