What does an airline ticket include?

In today's economy there is one sure way of getting recognition in a company. The secret word is cost cutting. Suggest an idea which a company can save $0.01 and you can become an instant hero. However, in the Airline industry that could make you a CEO.

Gone are the days when Airline travel was a luxury. Today it is a necessity. Trains are not an option in the US. The intercity connectivity are as bad as the connectivity in George Bush's brain. Besides one's hair would turn grey by the time he reaches his destination. American cars pathetic efficiency and artificially inflated gas prices rules out driving as an option.

Airlines are trying to cut any and every possible thing to save on costs. The low cost airline industry was started in the US and later spread the disease to the rest of the world. Food was no longer free. All tickets were non refundable. Then they charged for the second check in baggage. But this was when oil hit $150. They liked the extra money flowing, so they started charging even for the first check in baggage. Right after oil plunged to $50.

Airbus's A380 which is half a decade behind schedule turned out to be a no show. It can pack in 800 odd passengers or 10 Americans. This could have been a major cost saver but, as of now airlines are struggling to fill even the pilot's seat, so the 800 is out of the question.

Earlier this week Ryanair announced that it was looked to further cut down costs. Firstly they were going to introduce pay per use toilet. Yes it wasn't a dream and nor am I drunk. I won't be surprised if the cost included only 4 squares of toilet paper and one flush. This is not a good business strategy. Because no one will buy the Airline's food when they know they have to pay to use the toilet too.

Secondly, they are in talks with manufacturers to design planes with provisions for standing passengers. This reminds me of the public buses in India. Only here its air conditioned. I have no idea how the passengers would wear their seat belts. I am sorry. "Just belts". Unless they are going to be strapped to stripper like poles.

Replacing seats with bar stools are also in consideration. People are having problems trying to fit in a single seat. In case of bar stools, they would have to use a dozen of them. I can imagine how tomorrows Ryanair would be. Economy class would be standing only and First class would be sitting. On stools of course.

It seems like the Airlines are going to the extreme in trying to save a penny, but are loosing thousands of customers by looting them. Legally.

So whats next? Pay for cabin baggage? Extra charge for window or aisle seat? Pay per view on In flight entertainment? I'd rather take the train.