In fact, I think there will eventually be a swing away from this. Southwest are already marketing quite effectively their baggage charging difference.. and there will develop and "all inclusive" airline product, which promotes it being cheaper than the aggregate charges of the low costs. BA on their website have a comparison calculator which allows a passenger to compare their all in price against Ryanair for example.
In fact, payment for airport services is already underway in Europe. Standby for this to come in the US. In Liverpool at John Lennon Airport you must pay £3 ($5) if you want to bypass the security queue and go through speedily. Many of the airports have frequent flyer lounges which you can pay to get access to, even if you don't have the right "status". Ryanair charge you to check in for your flight, both at the airport and even if you wish to do it online. Some airports in France are discussing experimenting with charging an airport fee to use the airport (under pressure from Ryanair, which wants a reduced landing fees in return).
I find the whole concept ridiculous. It is like a store offering a radio for $20 and then charging extra for the lead, plus a credit card processing fee, a customer service facility charge, etc. It borders on the misleading.
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