American Airlines Will Charge $8 for a Blanket

Passengers must pony up to bundle up on long domestic flights

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 9, 2010 1:07 PM CST

(Newser) – Bundle up, air travelers: Blankets cost extra now, too. American Airlines will begin charging coach passengers $8 for a blanket on long domestic flights and some international routes. On flights of 2 hours or less, no blankets will be available, no matter how much money you throw around. On the upside, chilly passengers who pay up get a $10 coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond stores.

"Welcome to flying in 2010," a travel industry analyst tells USA Today. "Other than the basic seat, the only thing you can count on to come with your fare is an oxygen mask and a seat belt."

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American Airlines will start charging extra for blankets on some flights. (Shutter Stock)

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Everything we do is evaluated in terms of what's best economically for the company while still providing services customers want. - American spokeswoman Andrea Huguely

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 22 comments

deeezy

Feb 10, 2010 12:44 PM CST

better get some sucky sucky with that 8 bucks you kidding me! it seems to me that most airline companies just sit around all day and try to figure out ways to nickel and dime their customers. at least southwest is keeping it real...real ghetto

YOU_SUCK

Feb 10, 2010 6:57 AM CST

Well, I guess I won't ever fly American Airlines. That's pretty BS - $8 to "rent" a blanket. Like the tickets themselves aren't highway robbery.

unagiroll

Feb 10, 2010 6:08 AM CST

well, if I pay $8 for that well-recycled blanket, I better not find a hair entwined in the fibers -- as I have experienced more than once.

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American Airlines Will Charge $8 for a Blanket