We just returned from a trip to the Southwest. As usual, I booked an aisle seat for my husband who suffers from bone-on-bone arthritis in both knees, not to mention crippling air sickness which requires he wear a scopolamine patch. But his knees are the reason for the end row seat.

I just read that airlines are now eyeballing these aisle seats as coveted real estate for which they can charge more. According to the Associated Press,a number of airlines are setting aside window and aisle seats for passengers willing to pay extra.

“Since last summer, American, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines have increased the percentage of coach seats requiring an extra fee. Some — like those on Delta, JetBlue Airways and United — come with more legroom. Others, including those on American and US Airways, are just as cramped but are window and aisle seats near the front.”

Depressing, to say the least. When I was a kid, part of the fun of going on vacation was the plane trip. I remember the days when you could check a bag, even two, for free. Meals, not just snacks, were served on flights over four hours. Headsets and small TV’s or an inflight movie were SOP. Now you pay for all of that.

I don’t like to be a negative Nell, but it really is becoming a chore to fly. With summer and travel going hand in glove, I don’t know about you, but as much as it’s killing me to spend money on gas and pollute the air, I am hitting the road in my car.