As the travel industry keeps coming up with new and creative ways to separate passengers from extra dollars, one of the airline industry’s ideas — priority boarding — has been taken over by an unlikely competitor, Greyhound.
And yes, that is Greyhound Bus Line, (I know that many people for years have referred to Southwest Airlines as the Greyhound of the skies…although these days they offer more services than many legacy carriers.)
In Greyhound’s case, the additional charge is only $5, and is only available in select markets, up to 45 minutes prior to departure. While this may not affect many of us, it does make you wonder, what or who is next?
Here’s a few potential fee ideas, some tongue-in-cheek, but you never know. Being ridiculous never stopped many in the industry.
Priority Lavatory Line — No one likes to wait in the aisle, especially when it’s close to landing time and the seatbelt sign may come on any minute. Maybe some carrier will offer a “Fast-Pass” to move to the front of the line at all times.
Priority Debarkation — Yes, we’ve all been on planes where the flight attendant says “There are some people with tight connections, please allow them to get off first.” This announcement sometimes, but not always, mitigates the rush for the exits. This one would be tough, however, as flight attendants might find themselves having to tackle folks trying to sneak off first for free.
Priority Hotel Check-in — Many hotels already have special lines for members of their frequent stay program. But perhaps others would pay to jump to the front of the line, especially after a long flight.
Priority Onboard Service — First drink service, and first refills, first choice of buy-on-board food. This priority pass could even come with your first drink or snack included.
Priority Overhead Bin Space — For an additional fee passengers get guaranteed space in the overhead bin, no matter when they board. (This could be accomplished easily by selling a limited number of passes per flight, and keeping a few bins empty except for people holding those passes.) Some overhead bins already are unavailable due to safety or electronic equipment. Of course, reserving some bins for paying customers does mean even more of a musical chairs problem for the rest of the cabin.
No doubt there are more. Many airlines already in theory offer Priority Luggage service to their elite and front of the plane travelers, but the problem with selling such a service is that it is an inexact science, as anyone who has ever waited a very long time for “priority luggage” can attest. (On the other hand, airlines’ charging to check luggage hasn’t stopped them from losing it, so you never know.)
I am sure you readers can come up with more creative ideas. What Priority service would you pay for?
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
