American Airlines announced that it will now charge
customers $50 to go stand by. The Dallas Morning News reports:
For tickets bought Feb. 22 and afterward, American will do away with the standby option for its nonelite passengers. If you want to change to another flight at the airport, you'll pay $50 – or you won't change your flight.
American spokesman Tim Smith said the carrier isn't just trying to bring in fees with the change.
American is trying to improve its operations as well.
"It's not the average standby list, but you get one of those Friday afternoon scenarios when you have more than 100 people standing by for a flight out of a business market," he said.
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He added: "There is certainly revenue involved here, too, but the other is a realistic part of the decision."
Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold members of the AAdvantage frequent-flier program won't have to pay the fee. Neither will first or business class passengers or those traveling on military fares. We're sure there is no truth to the rumors that soon each passenger will be charged for how much air he breathes during the duration of the flight.
