• 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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    10 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.

    • nexas_XIII@lemm.ee
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      10 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

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      I’m also not an expert, but I think a plane ticket costs significantly more than a bus ticket.

      • TwanHE@lemmy.world
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        10 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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          10 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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            10 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.
          • TwanHE@lemmy.world
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            10 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.

          • Hardeehar@lemmy.world
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            10 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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              10 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.

              • Hardeehar@lemmy.world
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                10 months ago

                The string above this pointed out that the greyhound bus is more expensive than the delta flight from the same start to finish.

                I’m not saying the price increase isn’t bullshit or acceptable, but you are already paying more for the greyhound for slower travel.