So, I was reading an article in today's Tribune (on-line edition, of course, being a member of generation Y-get-our-fingers-inky) when I came across a travel article about how United Airlines is continuing to try to drive people to check-in on-line.  This time the gambit is a five-buck discount on baggage fees... (Wow!  Only $15 dollars for the first suitcase!  What a bargain!)

Anyhow, the very end of the piece mentioned how Ryanair, a low-cost airline based out of Ireland is now charging people for their boarding pass.  Yep, even if passengers print the pass on-line, using their personal ink and toner, there's still a 5-Euro charge for the honor to present a piece of paper to the ticket agent at the gate.  But that's not all Europe's third largest airline charges for.  Check out the rundown of their fees (converted from Euros to Dollars...)

Checking in at the airport, and speaking to a human? = $13.50

Checking in at the airport, speaking to a human with a ticket NOT booked online at ryanair.com? = $54

Traveling with infant under 2-years-old? = $54 Round Trip

Infant car seat? = Also $54 Round Trip 

Sports Equipment? = $27 One Way

And not to mention baggage fees, comprable to United Airlines, etc. 

Holy Heck.  I mean, I think we've all known for quite some time that the days of hot towels, parisian-designed flight attendant outfits, salted nuts and legroom have gone the way of the dodo... but this is taking it to a whole new level.  OK, I'll pay a baggage fee, and sit in your flying prison, but reaching into my wallet just for the privilage of being trapped in this elevated Hades? 

Road trip.