In the spirit of airlines who are now collecting small fees for everything from additional bags to restroom access, the Grand Prairie AirHogs have built a promotion around the practice, charging fans for carry-on items brought into the ballpark and generally making a mockery out of the movement.
In the spirit of airlines who are now collecting small fees for everything from additional bags to restroom access, the Grand Prairie AirHogs (independent; American Association) have built a promotion around the practice, charging fans for carry-on items brought into the ballpark and generally making a mockery out of the movement.
The AirHogs, in partnership with non-profit airline consumer organization FlyersRights.org, will take on the airline industry in their upcoming “Hogs Fly Free” promotional night on Wednesday, June 2nd at QuikTrip Park.
Many airlines have begun charging for what they deem extras: the big airlines charge as much as $25 for a piece of luggage, while Spirit Airlines says it will charge upwards of $45 for a bag. In Europe, Ryanair Airlines charges extra for pretty much everything, including access to the bathroom (1 Euro, which is $1.52 these days). The situation has a number of politicians coming in for the kill and creating unrest among consumer advocates.
In that spirit, the AirHogs will be charging fans up to $0.45 for each “carry-in” they bring into the ballpark, including purses, backpacks, blankets, jackets, and pretty much anything larger than the size of a baseball. In addition, fans will be charged up to $1.52 for each visit to the concourse restrooms.
The new fees will be enforced by the AirHogs Airlines Flight Crew, who will issue fans a fee citation (above) as they enter the ballpark with carry-ons and/or attempt to enter the concourse restrooms. “Hogs Fly Free” exemptions such as: “Anyone wearing a Grand Prairie AirHogs T-shirt, jersey, hat (or pretty much anything with an AirHogs logo on it) will not be subject to fees” and “Anyone who is an AirHogs Season Ticket Holder, or member of FlyersRights.org will not be subject to fees” are listed in fine print on the team’s website and will permit Hog-Lovers to avoid the fee charges. Not so lucky, however, will be “Anyone who openly admits to working in the corporate headquarters of a price-gouging airline” who in turn "will be subject to double-fees." All proceeds will benefit FlyersRights.org.
During the game, fans will be encouraged to stand up from their seats and join the AirHogs Airlines Flight Crew in a standing ovation every time a commercial airplane flies above QuikTrip Park, which is heavily trafficked due to its location in the airspace of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
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