US Airways to charge passengers for drinks

US Airways appears set to make American commercial aviation history by becoming the first airline in the United States to cut its free drinks service on all domestic flights, thus forcing passengers to pay for their water, juice, coffee and soft drinks. All airlines in North America have thus far offered passengers in economy class free non-alcoholic beverages on domestic and transborder (US Canada) routes, even if they have cut free sandwiches and-more recently-complimentary light snacks on most flights.

US Airways, however, is getting ready to go a step further when it comes to making passengers pay for what was previously included in the price of a ticket. According to a report in the Baltimore Sun, the carrier will start charging passengers $2 for soft drinks on all domestic flights, in order to help compensate the airline for its soaring fuel bill. Although American airlines do still offer free non-alcoholic beverages, Continental is the last one to still provide passengers with free spirits as well. US Airways, however, will become the first to offer neither.

Not only is US Airways planning on charging passengers when they ask for a glass of water, juice or a coffee, they will also make purchasing alcoholic drinks more expensive. These prices are set to increase by $2, bringing the cost of a glass of wine or beer up to $7. Additionally, the airline has announced that it will start charging passengers $15 for their first piece of checked luggage and those clients who wish to cash in on their frequent flier points will have to pay up to $50 extra in booking fees.

www.usairways.com