NWA Removes More Extras to Save Money

Some say, desperate times call for desperate measures. Northwest airlines lost more than $450 million last quarter, alone. So, in an attempt to save money, the airline is cutting back.

In-flight meals are gone, so are the pretzels, pillows, movies and now magazines are being pulled from flights and passenger lounges.

Northwest Airlines is trying to fly out of the red with still one more cost-saving move.

This one takes place at the curb, long before you even take off.

Northwest is considering charging $2 for each bag checked in at the curb. It's something that's already being tested in Seattle.

But Bobby DePace, President of the International Association of Machinists, says that "won't fly" with customers, ?I don't think its going to work, I can't see passengers paying the two dollars and then going to check in.?

Passengers we caught up with had mixed opinions about paying for the convenience.

One woman said it was a service worth paying for, ?You're right here, check-in and you go to your gate and your all set. You don't have to worry about dragging all this luggage in.?

But another said there were already too many additional costs, ?There's so much added cost on so many things that I'd rather pull it right inside do it that way instead of checking in right here.?

Airline passenger Sanjay Kuba fears the move would end tipping, ?It seems like there just taking that money away from these folks. That's about what we tip, about two bucks a bag.?

Sky caps make $12.50 an hour and depend on tips. So there's a lot of fear this proposal could wipe out a huge chunk of their income says DePace, ?You take those tips away they'll be devastated, they will be devastated.?

And if these cutbacks are any indication of things to come, passengers better get used to "no frills" flying.

Northwest airlines declined to comment on the proposed cutbacks.

Meantime, a financial ratings company downgraded Northwest's debt, meaning it will cost more for the airline to borrow money in the future.

By Pat Evans , KARE 11 News

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