Airline testing an adults-only section

[Ms. Toad]

31. Delta either hasn't flown -

or hasn't had anything close to the cheapest flight for anything we've done in the last 2 years.

On the first flight we took after the COVID restrictions were lifted, we got a United credit card, which gave us (that year) free carry on and free checked baggage for two of us (plus a $150 or so discount on the flight). After the introductory year, we kept the credit card at somewhere around $90/year because the baggage fees, alone, on a single flight were more than the cost of the credit card. We still looked for other flights, but to shift to another airline the flight + baggage fees needed to be lower than the United flight. None were. We don't have access to any of the discount airlines, and Southwest (which has typically been significantly cheaper) is now higher than most other flights.

This year we'll take at least 3 flights, all as cheap on United as any other airline. And we avoid the extra fees for a one-time $90 credit card fee. We may take a 4th flight, and that will make it an even better deal.

But I still resent the nickel and dime approach to travel. It leaves those without much money to spend (or ability to get a credit card) in second-class accommodations. Previously, there was at least an odd equity among everyone other than business class - a bit of smarts about timing, and a bit of luck, gave everyone a chance at the more desireable seats, the ability to sit together on the flight, and the ability to arrive at the destination with the clothing needed to survive the trip.