A few questions for AA about $15

Diane Clarkson | May 28, 2008, 05:19 PM

It has been one week since American Airlines launched the $15 fee to check a piece of luggage.

In that week, I’ve had numerous conversations with colleagues, journalists, friends and family on the subject. Here are some of the discussion points:

- How much is this going to slow down security since there will be more bags to be screened?

- Won’t this slow down departures if more people are bringing carry-on bags and trying to find a place to put them? Then even more time when there is no space left and baggage crew have to take the bag.

- If you bring a carry-on and there is no space for it on the plane, do you have to pay the $15. Will the people taking your bag at the gate carry change if passengers don’t have the right amount (similarly, will gate check in include currency conversions and/or credit card processing)?

- Will there put a premium on early group boarding so you can be sure to get a storage space for your bag?

- Will the airlines start forcing people to put their coats on their laps - storage is at a premium and it wouldn’t be fair to make someone else pay because you’re coat is bulky and takes up overhead space?

- Will they have an exception for seniors or disabled people who can’t manage a carry-on bag through the airport?

- If the airline loses your bag, do you get a refund?

- How much revenue will this generate after all these costs are factored in?

I don’t have the answers to all these questions. Regrettably, I’m not sure AA does either.