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Recession-hit airlines to charge passengers for using loo!

     Melbourne: Air passengers may soon be charged for using the loo, as part of cost-cutting efforts. Fines for overweight passengers and steps to make people carry their own luggage to the plane are among other options being considered by low-cost carriers to counter flagging profits. Flyers are being deprived of the simplest comforts, with American Airlines pulling pillows off most of its domestic routes in a move expected to save the airline 500,000 dollars, reports News.com.au. The constant efforts to cut prices is benefiting travellers, but while airfares may seem cheap consumer watchdog CHOICE has warned that people to watch out for extra fees that may push up the cost of travel substantially. "The cost of flying is lower than it was a year ago due to competition and the downturn," CHOICE spokesman Christopher Zinn said. "People have more choice which is generally a good thing but there is no doubt that things bundled into flights before have gone. "Consumers need to be aware of optional extra charges as they can add significantly to the cost of the flight. It can end up being more expensive flying on budget airlines adding in optional extras than a standard packaged airfare," he added.
-May 19,  2009