US Airways to charge $2 for soda, juice, water

Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:41PM EDT

See Comments (934)

Better get used to carrying lots of singles next time you fly. US Airways is now terminating free drink service. No, not free mini bottles of Jim Beam and cheap Chardonnay, we're talking about all drinks, including soda, fruit juice, coffee, and bottled water, which will soon cost $2 each. Presumably tap water, which may or may not be contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria, will still be free.

The move is the latest way airlines are attempting to fight rapidly rising fuel prices in a disastrous economic climate. In recent months, the extra fees have come fast and furious. First came extra charges for your second piece of luggage, then came a charge for your first bag. That's not to mention extra fees for choosing your own seat, curbside check-in, booking using frequent flier miles, and the cost of the Santa Fe chicken sandwich.

The beverage fee is even more annoying than most, since you can no longer bring liquids through security at airports. You are really at the mercy of buying them on the plane, or at least buying them once you're in the terminal (which is doubtlessly no cheaper than on the plane). Alcoholic drinks will also go from $5 to $7. That's a lot for a can of Budweiser.

The fee goes into effect August 18, leaving plenty of time for the airlines to come up with other fees to nickel and dime their way to profitability. Can pay toilets be far behind?

Comments on US Airways to charge $2 for soda, juice, water

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 27 Posted by pixie_in_wildflowers on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    unbelievable they are charging 2.00 for water that is free - and can not be brought on the plane with us from outside in the first place - and sadly the trickle down effect is big .. average people can not afford to fly, so no vacations which hurts local communities who sometimes need the tourism to survive - and with driving who can afford to take the extra days off to spend the hours needed to get to farther away destinations ... and so people just spend more time working and along with this economy all increases stress levels ... the cost of fuel has an amazing impact all the way around -

  • 28 Posted by jayson_60120 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    Everyone who flies US Airways SHOULD buy a soda and pay in all pennies.. lol.

  • 29 Posted by pyratesteele on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    What's next? Charging per sheet for TP? Charging per liter for the air one breaths while on the plane?

  • 30 Posted by amissybell on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is a darn shame! No one will pay those prices, atleast I hope not. I won't be flying or driving this summer. I will definitely have a vacationless summer. Why? I can't afford to take one due to the gas prices and all.

  • 31 Posted by magdakijewska on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, with the global warming and all that our xcountry id not doing, we are well on our way to be paying far more than 2 bucks for a bottle of clean water even on the ground....

  • 32 Posted by ccwpllc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    You know what? I just started to use the airlines. I guess I'll go back to driving across country unless my work pays for the ticket. Thanks for the article. C

  • 33 Posted by arkeem2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    What next? soon will be paying for each time we'er ----- ing on the toilet, don't for get to flush.

  • 34 Posted by wswettenham on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    WTF??? This is just rediculous. Everyone in this country wants to look away, and HOPE that this whole "economy" thing isn't true, and that we will just be fine. Unless people make decisions that will make changes, we as a country will begin to fail, and turn into the very countries we are trying to help. The single largest thing effecting our entire economy is OIL, yet congress, and the tree-huggin fruits will not let us drill, refine.....If oil prices are reduced, EVERYTHING gets reduced. Oil runs everything, and we as a country rely on A LOT of oil. Think about it. And all the airlines charging for 1st checked bags, soda, water juice...----- THEM, don't fly with them, and send a message.

  • 35 Posted by denyse_g123 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why not just raise the fare? Why hide the real value? People will be carrying all their luggage on, bringing food from the airport w/ them (which of course you have to buy after you get through security at top dollar, and what next-wear diapers? Airlines, and all these large corporations are pathetic. Whatever happened to satifing the CUSTOMER?????- That's something lost to greed. Rude service, lost luggage, delays, over crowded flights, no food, no drinks, yada yada- This country is letting itself go. From education to medical care to the forgotten people in our military and their suffering families living cheque to cheque, what has happend and WHY? Greed and selfishness!

  • 36 Posted by continental_2001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hey this is not good for the airlines but is no other way to do it the president is not helping and they know what is going on here with the fuel. About southwest airlines if you guys are not in the business you guys dont know that southwest is still have 2 year on getting the fuel so cheap after that they are going to be at the same price with everybody else.

  • 37 Posted by scharff1962 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    Is it legal to bring my own mini-bottles of Jack Daniels and a bottle of drinking water if I buy them at the airport and show the receipt to the flight inspector? heck next time I go back east, I'm going by Amtrak!

  • 38 Posted by becxlt on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    When they start charging for toilets..we should start peeing on thiers Floors ...!

  • 39 Posted by stansequim on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think overweight people should pay more for each lb. of lard on their huge but.ts!----

  • 41 Posted by markcoronado1986 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:07PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is all too typical of poorly run companies in very competitive markets reaching for straws to try and stay above the red ink. Thank goodness we have choices and can either abstain from flying or choose an Airline that actually knows how to be fiscally responsible. Much like the Gas companies, as soon as the general public wises up and starts purchasing alternative fueled vehicles, emphasis carpools, utilize public transportation, ride a bike, etc. they will be right were the Airline companies find themselves today.

  • 42 Posted by lakerz4lyfe24 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    Nowadays, we pay crazy prices for the ticket itself. Compared to that, this minor things wouldn't make a big difference to the airlines. It's ridiculous how we have to empty our pockets for tickets, pay for extra bags, and now minor things like this, what's next? The economy is hurting us too, not just the airlines. :)

  • 43 Posted by brianparsons192 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think Christopher Null looks and sounds like chicken little. The Airlines are charging...the airlines are charging. Boo HOO. If you want something to drink, your gonna have to pay for it. Get over it!

  • 44 Posted by lttmocha on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think airlines should not allow people to bring their wallets onboard because of possible security and smuggling issues! Then everything will HAVE to be free!

  • 45 Posted by csavargo13 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree with those who mentioned that less ill will would be generated if ticket prices were increased, instead of tacking on fees. Fees indicate that they are trying to nickel-and-dime you to death. Also, Skybus, out of business only after half a year or so of operation, was charging for all drinks. Not only that, the flight attendant announced over the sound system "Gratuities are accepted and appreciated".

Post a Comment

Sign In to Post a Comment

My Tech

Please enable your browser's cookies to activate the My Tech column.

Also on Yahoo! Tech

Computers Home Office Wi-Fi & Networking Phones & PDAs Cameras & Camcorders TV & Home Theater Portable Audio
 

Site Map | Tour | Subscribe to Yahoo! Tech

Question and Answer content at Yahoo! Tech is written by Yahoo! users at Yahoo! Answers. Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. For more information, read the Full Disclaimer.

Opinions expressed by the Advisors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! receives no compensation from any manufacturer or distributor nor does it compensate any Advisor for the coverage of any product or service in any Advisor's content.