The Best of Air Travel in 2009

Dec. 23, 2009 — -- It's always much easier (and more fun) to throw bricks than bouquets, but today I am going to be Mr. Nice Guy and talk about what worked in the airline industry this year.

Don't worry -- I'll save room for a few horror stories, too.

But first, a look at some of the things that "worked" this year; things the air travel industry can be proud of.

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Airline Fees

Have I gone mad? Not totally. I know that some of these loathsome fees went up this year, especially bag fees (mainly because we keep checking our bags and paying those darn fees), but did you know some fees actually dropped?

Like fees for transporting pets. Both United and Delta, for example, cut their rates for "carry-on animals" by a hefty $50 each way. Okay, maybe they only did that because Southwest began allowing pets in the cabin for the bargain-basement rate of $75 one-way, but a savings is a savings.

And don't forget, US Airways finally came to its senses and did away with those foolhardy fees for coffee, soda, and even water (I was flying US Airways the day they implemented these fees -- their gate agent apologized before boarding).

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Finally: The baby boy born on that Southwest flight earlier this month? Those lucky parents were charged no additional fees (but considering that the poor mother gave birth on the floor of a crowded aircraft, it certainly qualified as a "no frills" delivery).