My wife works for US Air. They expect to spend 2 billion more this year than last just on fuel. The cost for fuel per passenger assuming a full flight is approximately $400.

Before you complain about the costs, think of how it is affecting the flight attendants who have to collect it and deal with irate passengers.

Personally, I have no trouble with total a-la-carte flying: Getting a middle seat would be more bearable if I knew the people on either side of me paid $25 more for the privilege.