It is another sad tale of once complimentary items that are now for sale, as American Airlines moves to charging for pillows and blankets on select flights; a move that almost parallels US Airways’s $7 “power-nap sack” and JetBlue’s blanket-pillow set.
For those seated in coach on domestic flights and select international flights greater than 2 hours, American will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket. The select international flights include routes to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.
“American evaluates all aspects of the business to ensure that economic decisions are prudent and strategic for the long-term success of the company,” said spokeswoman Andrea Huguely.
Blankets in premium-class cabins will remain complimentary.
What do you get? For the price of $8 you get a one of a kind blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch. But wait, there’s more! Buy the pack and you’ll get a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond. That’s decent… but…
I think $8 is a little too pricey. US Airways’s $7 pack includes the blanket, pillow, eye shades, and earplugs; along with a $10 SkyMall coupon for $50 spent. To me, that’s a much better value.
Share your thoughts – would you buy it? Why or why not?
