Greetings!

I don't know about you but I am tired of being nickel and dime to death by the airlines. This past week I flew with my daughter to NYC. On economical Southwest there is NO charge for two checked bags. But on United there is a fee for every checked bag, unless you fly business or first class. In fact, we met a lady in the airport who was traveling with her two little dogs who stated that the fee use to be $50 each way for each pooch but now the fee has increased to $150 p/way and for each pooch - so she now hides them and pays nothing!

I would rather take less luggage on vacation and shop while on vacation because if I need something I would rather spend the money on me than give it to the airlines.

While flying I was informed by a gentleman from Europe that the low cost carriers who fly in Europe now charge to use the bathroom. This is incredible to me - when will it end?

And now with the proposed merger with United and Continental what we are seeing is a consolidation of sorts between the mega airlines, which can only mean less competition resulting in higher fares for you and I.

When I first traveled on an airplane back in the early 1970's travelers use to get dressed for the "plane" as your vacation started once you boarded the aircraft. Air travel in the last 10 years has done a 180. Gone are the days when you were treated as a valued patron by the airlines - welcome now to the cattle call of travel.

However, I must say I have not flown all US carriers. The ones that I feel stand apart are Southwest and Virgin America.

For those with any thoughts you can email jc@incrediblejourney.net