US Airways Next to Nix Free Onboard Pillows?

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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US Airways appears to be next in line to charge for onboard pillows and blankets, according to Today in the Sky. The airline plans to take complimentary pillows and blankets off its planes, and is simply waiting to select a vendor to provide a for-purchase option.

Following last week’s news that JetBlue is eliminating free pillows and blankets and replacing them with an upgraded product for purchase, I expected a great deal of outrage to pour forth from readers. I know JetBlue’s move irritated me, for a number of reasons. To my surprise, however, most people were glad to see the end of those reused airplane blankets and pillows, and pledged to purchase JetBlue’s $7 set, which is the passenger’s to keep.

So if US Airways’ scheme is similar, and the new blankets and pillows are an improvement over the old, I imagine people will similarly be receptive to the idea. Does this mean we finally have a fee worth paying? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

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