Erin argues convincingly about how Air Canada’s checked baggage charge of $25.00 per bag is an unnecessary charge levied by a airline giant in order to raise their profit margin. She mentions how the constant push for cutting costs by airlines is a worrisome, particularly “when you are in their aircrafts thousands of meters above ground”.

I also am from Edmonton, Erin’s hometown, and will make the flight home several times this year. I am totally aware that the $25.00 charge exists, and as a frugal student, I will do the sensible thing and only pack carry-on. I am also 6’4, and will undoubtably gripe to anyone who will listen about the tight seats and low ceilings.

However, the last time I flew home, I flew with my grandfather, and as I griped, he did what he does so very well and taught me a valuable lesson in life – and economics, incidentally.

He began with his usual reference to the “Good Old Days” of his era. However, in this telling of the Good Old Days, students came home maybe twice a year, if they were lucky. By the end of this telling, these were the Bad Old Days.

I value seeing my family over any small tax or charge. Thanks to savvy market evaluation, Air Canada knows this too, and until I value my wallet over my family, I’ll keep flying. Those fees may annoy me, but I’ll take that hit, and be thankful that I’m flying at all.

https://connect.ubc.ca/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_45358_1%26url%3D