December 14,2006
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To Quench Thirst, Keep Credit Cards Carry-On!
Parched passengers on AirTran, Spirit, and ATA airlines should make a point of keeping their credit or debit card stowed within reach on their carry-on luggage. The reason? These airlines require credit cards to buy snacks or cocktails, as well as renting headphones for the in-flight movie... basically, any purchases made on their airplane. At least one of these carriers touts the policy as "cashless for your convenience!," but the rules may seem pretty unfair to cash-packing customers!
In an alternate scheme being used by Continental, customers may still purchase goodies and rent amenities with cash, but may also use their credit cards to buy "Continental Currency" that is good for one year on all Continental flights, and it good for the purchase of all of the same.