Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

When I first read the latest news from some of the airlines that they will be increasing fees for checking bags, I was outraged. We already pay for a bag that weighs more than 50 lbs., which is an easy fee for any women to rack up if she has more than one pair of shoes with her. We pay for peanuts and in some cases, we pay for sodas and pillows - as my friend says paying for sleep.
"Airlines are fighting for scraps here. These are penny ante policies that often catch consumers by surprise," said Joe Schwieterman, transportation expert at DePaul University in Chicago. "It's made traveling with two bags punitive for many flyers."
I agree with Schweiterman - this is just ridiculous. I believe airlines, like U.S. Air, are about to wake up to a sad reality- they've lost their customers. Other airlines are popping up and willing to pick up the slack - offering affordable fares and no bag fees. On the other hand, this could be just the reprieve some small media company employees need to get a break when traveling.
For example, my old employer used to make his staff carry back all of our press material - tomes of paper- with us on the plane. We had a booth bag of supplies and a second press bag in addition to a portable booth. The staff always moaned and groaned about having to be responsible for a second item to check. Now with the airline fees, that employer may decide to let Brown take over.
If not, I go bakc to my first thought, it's a bane for travelers - those traveling for work and play. at this rate the only thing we women will be able to fit in our bags is that cute little bikini that's totally inappropriate for a tradeshow. So what's next?