Last trip I took I filled my platypus after I went through the checkpoint. No said anything to me but one guy on the flight said he did that somepalce else and damn near got arressted. It all depends on the stew I guess. I do not pay for the extras. Last flight the lady next to me bought a cardboard cheeseburger(her description) for $10. I may be crazy but I'm not stupid.

The only thing extra I pay for on flights is the occassional overpriced glass of beer or wine to help make the flight go by a little smoother (and it really does help at times!). It all depends on how cramped I'm feeling and how long the flight is, though.

On international flights I've taken in the past year, they all seem to offer food and headphones for free...nothing extra to pay except for alcohol. For national flights, I agree that I would rather pay extra and have my fare be cheaper.

I would be willing to pay extra if I could be assured that I would not have to sit next to the annoying person on the plane who has to tell me about:

- How reading 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' changed their life
- How finding the Lord changed their life
- The latest update on the love life of Brangelina
- All of the dog shows that they have attended in the last 5 years
- Avon/Pampered Chef/Jewelry/Magic Candles


I would also be willing to pay to know that I would be sitting next to someone who will breathe, consistently, through their nose. They can even be a nose whistler, but they refrain from breathing out of their gaping mouth. Oh man, would I pay for that.

As for the other stuff, I don't care. I don't fly for the meals, the toasty towel, the small plastic cup half filled with diet soda, the witty repartee of the flight crew, or a pillow and blanket. As long as I have a seat, a bit of room for my legs and my bag of books, and access to the loo, I am a happy flyer.

I pay extra for "extra" leg room- you know, econ + or whatever? But only on flights over 8 hours. Booze is covered with coupons, or included for most transcons, and they don't usually sell an edible "veggie" meal. For entertainment, my handy mp3 player has headphones that- oddly enough- fit the jack on the plane.

Note- I am more than willing to pay extra for that neato in seat entertainment thing. But that's more an airline choice than an add on.

j.