Current Affairs Article | Moves To Make Us Pay For Food And Speech On AirplanesMore Than Articles

Moves To Make Us Pay For Food And Speech On Airplanes

Airport parking facilities are owned by companies outside the realms of the airlines themselves and offer various services depending on the park that you use. Prices will vary depending on the location of the airport parking lot - the closer to the terminal, the more expensive the stay. They also have optional extras that mean a security guard might possibly be patrolling the area, your car may be valeted for an extra charge or you might have taxi's laid on if you park further away from your terminal.

All of these things depend on your airport parking budget but most parks are notoriously expensive. That said, who wants to leave their vehicle to chance whilst they are away for any length of time? Airport parking facilities are owned by companies outside the realms of the airlines themselves and are probably on to a good thing, given that some of the major airlines are now facing financial difficulties.

British Airways are looking to boost their income by charging customers for things that are now called extras as opposed to the previous standard. Bulkier items that were once free to take on board, such as golf clubs and skis, are now going to subject to a 25 pounds charge. One thing that we all may be grateful for is the possibility of an 'upgraded' in-flight meal. So, that's free, tasteless cardboard or real food for a few extra quid - now that has to be worth paying for.

BA are blaming the credit crunch on their need to generate income from different areas. Alternative ways of upping profits that are to be looked at are charging extra for things that used to be free such as extra leg room, a glass of water, luggage, snacks and meals from all airline operators. Surely they would be better off just to buy out the airport parking facilities, that would make them a small fortune.

BA officials say that these changes are not yet set in stone and that other airlines already charge for these facilities whereas BA have always given these services free. They also say that if customers don't appreciate the fact that they are free, that they should gain from it by charging too. I think the fact that BA are still afloat while other airlines are going under shows fully that people actually do appreciate these services and that the only change they are likely to see with extra charges are decreased bookings with people staying at home.

Ryanairs idea for generating more funds from its customers are to include allowing in-flight calls and texts between from mobile phones. Restrictions will include during take-off, climbing, descending and landing but during the main body of the flight, up to six people at any one time will be allowed to make and receive calls. This new facility is planned to be up and running by October.

This is a recent development as miniature mobile phone masts are now able to be carried aboard airplanes and the signals will not interfere with air traffic control communications as they did previously. I have to say, I would still be pretty nervous!

As expected, this service will not be free. Calls will be charged at a whopping 2 pounds per minute and the airlines will be taking a huge cut of this. So much for free speech!

About the Author

Shaun Parker is a leading current affairs analyst and looks at the way airport parking is about to be a minor expense for those who wish to fly. Find out more about airport parking at http://www.compare-airport-parking.co.uk

Author Profile: Galway

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