nultech

DISH Network Falls Off the Roof

I've had DISH since their very early days. I even sold them for a while, until they required brick-and-mortar stores. I recently compared their package rates to Direct & local cable, called them & got $15 / month knocked off. And, they DO answer the phone. I expect Charlie Ergen & the boys to scheme a solid way forward.

The ATM at the Airlines

As a frequent flier on USAir, I'm beginning to feel pretty unappreciated. In the last few months, USAir has:

* Instituted a $15 charge for 1st checked bag, $25 for additional ones.

* Eliminated in-flight snacks.

* Began charging $2 for sodas & juice in coach. Beer, wine & mixed drinks in coach are now $7.

* Eliminated mileage bonuses for elite fliers.

* Eliminated the 500 mile minimum mileage reward.

* Instituted high fees to redeem miles for "rewards".

* Reduced reward seats, so that redeeming is nearly impossible, unless one wants to pay double miles.

* Instituted high fees on "Buddy" tickets, used by airline personnel to bring friends & family on trips.

The sole value I see from being an "Elite" flier is the ability to bypass a long security line. I expect USAir to institute a fee for that as well, as soon as they think of it.

Meanwhile, Southwest, the flying bus, raises no fees. Granted they have done a fabulous job of buying oil futures to hold costs down, but where they really shine is, they're not sucking all loyalty out of their customers.