US abandons drinks charge

US Airways is to stop charging for nonalcoholic drinks in its economy cabin, following a bout of crisism from passengers. This retreat seems to show that airlines cannot expect to adopt a Ryanair style "everything is an add on" charge and still present themselves as a full service airline.

Unlike many European and Asian airlines, Airlines in the US have started charging for many items including in United's case meals for Transatlantic flights. US Airways' retreat from the fee also may show that there is a limit to how far cash-strapped carriers can push travellers who have suffered fee after fee for items and services that once were complimentary.

From the 1st of March US Airways will no longer charge for in-flight soft drinks, juice, tea, water and coffee. However the airline says it remains committed to its so-called "a la carte" model, which is now common throughout North America.

The airline industry, hard-hit last year by soaring fuel costs, became more aggressive in charging fees for items that previously had been included in the fare. The fee that got the most publicity was for bag checks. Despite customer outrage, major carriers broadly matched each others bag-check fees and raised them. Carriers also charge for food for domestic flights and in some cases even pillows.

Experts said US Airways has been more aggressive than most in finding new fees. It was the lack of a matching fee for drinks by rivals that put a stop to the practice. US Airways said it still expects to generate US$500 million in 2009 from a la carte items like bag checks and its new blanket and pillow offering.