There’s just no end to the creative ways airlines are adding new fees. The latest is from Delta, which now is offering something it calls the Smart Travel Pack, for $199. This gets you a combination of one free bag, priority boarding, preferred seats and a 20% bonus on frequent flier miles.
The good news is that the deal is for you and up to eight friends and family traveling together. Considering that Delta is charging $25 for the first checked bag and a lot more for the second, this could pay for itself in one big trip, such as a destination wedding or home for the holidays, or several smaller trips.
The bad news is that the $199 package deal is only for travel through January 4, 2014.
Of course, for $75 a year and the first year FREE, you can an American Express Delta card which gives you one free bag for up to eight friends or family travellng together, plus priority boarding, plus Amex miles.
So what’s the deal with the Smart Travel Pack? I think it’s a trial balloon from Delta. If it’s a success, they’ll offer it beyond January 4th, and if it’s a success, other airlines might follow. And if it’s a no-fly disaster, it will disappear.
What do you think?
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