Stop Nickel-ing and Dime-ing

American and other airlines have announced additional charges to passengers AGAIN!  Not only charges to check bags, pay for food on board,  now it is $8. for a blanket and pillow.  Next it will bring your own roll of toilet paper or pay per sheet.  My husband and I both travel a lot and discussed how smart it would be to just raise the ticket price $8 and not aggravate the snot out of travelers!!!The first thing I thought of when I heard the announcement is this; "How Petty!" We in the apartment industry do the same thing.  $25 for covered parking, $20 for a view, $15 for a fireplace, $50 for mirrored wall...it goes on and on.  Perhaps next is $5 for a toilet.  Before you start beating up on me, I know that additional income is very important today however I advocate doing this a different way.  Why not quote the price of the apartment with all the bells and whistles included and ask "does this work for you?" If the response is along the lines of 'too expensive' then offer to show them the same floor plan without the view, or fireplace or garage, or mirrors.  We add to the misery at renewal time...more rent for less than 12 month lease, passing on an increase that brings them above what new renters are paying.  Additional fees in small amounts do nothing but tick of the consumer.  When you are 100% at optimum rents, fire away!  But today, not a good idea!