Delta Air Lines adds "media" surcharge

[Daniel Bates]

A MSNBC article reports that Delta Air Lines, Inc. plans to implement a new fee system that, among other things, charges $175 per item for "media representatives carrying camera, film, video tape, lighting, or sound equipment." This is in addition to doubling the second-checked-bag fee to $50.

I wonder how they will define "media representatives"? I'm not a member of the media, but my 1D2N might make me seem otherwise. After all, why would any ordinary person need a camera that big?

[kenw]

Note: it applies to CHECKED baggage.

[andyz]

A couple of thoughts. If you pay that fee and at your destination the lights, camera, lens, etc. have "disappeared" do you get your fee back?

Daniel, I thought you were converting from Canon to Nikon? Are you going both ways now depending on whether you are wearing BDUs or jeans?

[AndrewCCM]

As such...(the checked bag fee is what really does it for me)...I'll be flying far less often than I used to.

[andyz]

I'd much rather drive, have all my gear, just in case and be able to stop and shoot anyway. It is just the time constraints that hold me back.

I'd guess it could be cheaper to FedEx/ship your gear so it is waiting at your hotel or wherever than to take it on a plane. Probably safer too. Get it in a hard cover case, locked, and not worry about it be searched, by anyone.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by Daniel Bates

After all, why would any ordinary person need a camera that big?

1. A camera is a chick magnet!
2. Because the chicks think that size matters?
3. After all, one of the flight attendants told me I had a "pretty camera".

[ShutteredEye]

You know, all these airlines are adding all these surcharges. One has to wonder if they've taken into account the customers they'll lose (and thereby the revenue they'll lose) as a result. I wonder if they've even factored that into their equations.

At this point it would take a lot to get me on a plane...

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by ShutteredEye

You know, all these airlines are adding all these surcharges. One has to wonder if they've taken into account the customers they'll lose (and thereby the revenue they'll lose) as a result. I wonder if they've even factored that into their equations.

At this point it would take a lot to get me on a plane...

The problem is that when almost every airline is doing it, it leaves little options for travelers. For instance, when I fly down to the Virgin Islands, I have no options. I can't choose to drive.

[ShutteredEye]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

The problem is that when almost every airline is doing it, it leaves little options for travelers. For instance, when I fly down to the Virgin Islands, I have no options. I can't choose to drive.

Sure there are those that *must* fly, and they're also the ones who will just grit their teeth and pay the extra fees.

But at this point given the choice to fly into Tampa to see my brother-in-law and his family, I'd rather just drive. And if everyone (or even just a significant portion of them,) that has the option to fly or drive, and chooses to drive instead, well they'll soon be parking a lot more planes.

There is a certain economy of scale these companies must maintain or they will simply price themselves right out of business. If you piss off enough customers there comes a point when you simply can't sustain yourself any longer.

If all this is brought about by higher fuel costs, charge more for the ticket. We're all getting used to paying higher energy costs--whether it be electricity, freight on retail things, or at the gas pump. Don't make me feel like you're trying to nickel and dime me just because I want to pack a camera in my luggage....

[Howard Barlow]

Daniel,

When I read it yesterday, and I don't know where I saw it, I think the part about media followed the dollar amounts for extra and overweight. I think it said such would apply to them, too. However, if they were not extras, or overweight, the fee would not apply. Of course, it would be hard for them to not have extras. I just don't think it said $175 automatically applied to them, specifically. However, I may have misunderstood it.

[ggeen]

I have many problems with American Airlines and their ability to deliver my luggage from DFW airport to my destination. Three time in one year, just five flights, I arrived at my destination without my luggage. I am planning a trip to Nevada in October and have decided to drive as I am taking along my camera gear. I have additionally decided that if I have luggage to check, I will just ship it to the hotel overnight air. Heck, it will probably get on the same plane! At least that way, I know I will have clothes when I get there.

-G

[Rson]

After the a-holes from American stole my Sony P&S and 4 bottles of Wine, I wouldn't check a darn thing.

Back to my Disposable :(

[toverman]

This is for a group of travelers who HAVE to travel. Business passengers are an airlines' bread-and-butter, and it's obvious they don't care much about the rest of us.

I'm going to really want to be somewhere fast or far away before I hop on a plane again.

[dbphotos]

Sitting at DFW now waiting for my flight to CA. Checked 1 bag of clothes and stuff that if it gets lost or stolen can be replaced easily. Camera equipment is on in Think Tank Airport Securit bag and will stay with me. You really have to strategically plan any airline trip now for sure.

[andyz]

My problem is that from Killeen I can go to Atlanta, Houston or Dallas and then fly anywhere. But the carry-on for a puddle jumper that starts and ends my trip is smaller than the other flights. Therefore, I have to carry the bare essentials with me or (dare I say) gate check it. The Airport Security bag wouldn't make it on a puddle jumper unless I bought a ticket for it.