Airlines to start charging for blankets/pillows

[eliza61]

Beginning May 1st American Airlines will begin charging $8.00 bucks for use of a blanket.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/business&id=7266235

I'm telling you we are 1 step away from needing a quarter to use the restrooms.

You will get a coupon for bed bath and beyond at least.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I had read to pack a beach blanket in the carry on. While on the flight you use it as a blanket and then use it at the pool. We have done this and it covers both DS and I.

Sad state of affairs.

 

[bavaria]

Air Canada and WestJet long charged for pillows although I believe that AC no longer does do so. UA removed most 'due to swine flu' and never replaced most.

That is why I bring a pashmina - it is clean, and lighter but warmer than a blanket. I do miss the pillow that I used to prop up my arm, though, but most FAs will find me one when they learn why I ask.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Sounds like these will be "bought" sets so they will be new and used only by the person buying. I think that is much better than the "germy" blankets that have been shared by whoever on each flight. I do tend to bring my own small pillow and blanket but this will be a nice option if for whatever reason I havent packed mine and feel the need...

 

[Funwith4kids]

Unless these are new, not sure why anyone would use those nasty blue blankets/pillows let alone pay for them.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

We have a discount chain in New England called Building 19, stuff changes all the time. My Mom and I found brand new airline blankets there for $1.19 each. So we will be bringing our own, plus I can use it as a stroller blanket and we sit on it during Spectromagic, etc...

 

[TillyMarigold]

Unless these are new, not sure why anyone would use those nasty blue blankets/pillows let alone pay for them.

They are new.

United started charging last year, also.

 

[bavaria]

United started charging last year, also.

I don't think so. UA removed most pillows and blankets in May 2009 under the guise of H1N1 but most likely as a cost savings measure.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...post-your-experience-here-merged-threads.html

They made a return to some flights by September 2009 once the H1N1 hysteria had calmed down a little.

I certainly have never paid for a blanket or a pillow in all the miles that I have flown on UA, and there hasn't been a thread that I have seen on Flyertalk reporting anything like that.

You may be confused with US Airways and/or Air Canada.

American isn't the first U.S. carrier to charge for bedding. JetBlue Airways Corp. and US Airways Inc. already offer $7 kits to passengers who want a blanket and pillow.

In August 2008, JetBlue began selling "The World's Cleanest travel pillow and blanket kit," which included a $5 coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond purchases.

Last February, US Airways introduced its "Power-Nap Sack," which includes "a cozy 34- x 60-inch fleece blanket, a soft-to-the-touch inflatable neck pillow, eye shades and foam ear plugs neatly packaged inside a reusable, navy blue fleece drawstring bag embroidered with the US Airways logo," plus a $10 coupon for SkyMall purchases.

On Southwest Airlines Co., you can't get a blanket at any price. The Dallas-based carrier pulled its blankets off its flights last year, citing health concerns during the H1N1 flu outbreak.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/020910dnbusaablankets.25b85c1.html

 

[kaytieeldr]

JetBlue did, too (if not late 2008).

Yes, they're new - and you don't rent them, you buy them. Note to self - bring Snuggie.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

Next thing you know airlines will charge you to turn the overhead air on or off

 

[marymac123]

Last Sept we flew Jet Blue & bought a blanket for DD4-it came with a pillow & tote-all new-all very cheapy material but it did the job. I think it was $7. I washed everything up, packed it away for our trip this Aug/Sept. So kind worth it.