Airlines must earn right to a bailout

Domestic airlines are looking for a $50 billion bailout, $50 billion of taxpayer money. I'm willing to do my part, but in exchange for a bailout, the airlines need to commit to stop treating the flying public like cattle.

For starters, we'll support a bailout when you stop charging draconian $200 rebooking fees. There is certainly expense associated with canceling and rebooking flights, but if you want billions in bailout money, you need to scale it back. Significantly.

We're no longer willing to pay ever-escalating checked-baggage fees. Some domestic airlines are able to offer checked bags without charging an exorbitant fee. If you want our billions, reduce or eliminate this obnoxious fee. We'll support your bailout when you quit charging families an extra fee to sit together. Is that too much to ask?

Commit to not shrinking seat size or leg room for the foreseeable future. If you want our billions, quit having us sit with our knees up around our ears and our tray tables shoved through our chests. Afford us just a small measure of comfort. Is this too much to ask? If so, ask someone else for your $50 billion.

Eric Hjerpe

Vernon Hills