Every time we think that Aircomplane.com might run into a dry spell in its observations of the insanity of the airline “industry,” we find a whole new reason to exist.
CNN.com (and literally 520 other news sources) report that effective May 1, American Airlines will begin charging the very people its responsible for serving (um, you) $8 for a blanky. Oh, and you get a neck pillow, too. Oh, and you get to keep both.
Now, we must admit we always found the sanitary conditions of used blankets somewhat dubious, but we assumed they were cleaned and cared for under the high standards all airlines use when treating their passengers.
BBWWWWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA.
OK, we just wanted to see if you were paying attention. Actually, we cared less because a) we didn’t pay for them; and b) we sort of viewed them like bathroom doorknobs. We knew they were probably disgusting, but you can’t worry to hell about everything. Unless you’re Monk.
Did we mention they’re blue fleece? No other color options were mentioned. Sorry all you Autumns out there.
The mouthpiece from American was priceless:
“American evaluates all aspects of the business to ensure that economic decisions are prudent and strategic for the long-term success of the company,” [Tim] Smith said in an e-mail announcing the decision.
American now follows Jet Blue and USAirways down this practice’s pathetic path.
What next? Coin operated oxygen masks?
