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The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for
domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours,
beginning May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico,
Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.
Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday it was an economic decision.
"American evaluates all aspects of the business to ensure that economic
decisions are prudent and strategic for the long-term success of the
company," she said.
Huguely said blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and
in all cabins for other international flights.
The airline will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow
in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in coupon for $10 off a $30
purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Huguely said.
JetBlue and US Airways charge $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, with US
Airways adding eye shades and earplugs.
Airlines have steadily added and increased fees for other services such as
checking luggage and buying tickets from a reservation agent since 2008,
first to help cover jet fuel costs, then to offset large losses.
American parent AMR Corp. lost $1.47 billion last year — and $3.59 billion
in the past two years — as traffic fell during the recession and competition
limited American's ability to raise fares.
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