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American Readies Piecemeal Pricing

'Unbundling' divides trip cost with fees for food, extras

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 6, 2008 12:18 PM CDT

(AP) – American Airlines is about to accelerate the trend of breaking the cost of a trip into an airfare plus many smaller fees. Starting next year, American plans to imitate the a la carte pricing structure pioneered by Air Canada, airline officials say. There are likely to be a few basic fare plans, and travelers can pick additional services—for a fee.

Fans of "unbundling," as it's called, say it gives travelers lower base fares with the option of paying for extras they really want, from beverages to blankets. Some travelers are wary, however, and suspect the airlines are just trying to chisel them a few bucks at a time.

AA's unbundling plan will divide airfare into the cost of the trip plus other fees.
AA's "unbundling" plan will divide airfare into the cost of the trip plus other fees.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
American Airlines jets line up at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.
American Airlines jets line up at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, file)
American Airlines is planning to start charging customers for individual airline services.
American Airlines is planning to start charging customers for individual airline services.   (AP Photo/Brian McDermott)
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