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In the airline business, it seems that fees are all the rage. For those who despise the "nickel and dime" effects of such airline ancillary charges, "all the rage" might describe a mood more than a trend.

American Airlines recently announced that it will begin charging for pillows and blankets in economy class – US$8 to be exact. On the bright side, these won't be the recycled, overused items sporting luggage bruises and who knows what else that one finds in some overhead compartments. You'll get to keep these new ones, complete with a blow-up pillow. Wait, that's probably not the best term to use. How about an inflatable pillow? The airline is also throwing in a discount coupon for a national retail store as a gift. American isn't the first to charge for creature comforts such as blankets and pillows, and it won't be the last. The airline will continue to offer them for free in first and business class, and on long international flights in all classes. In the U.S., JetBlue, US Airways and now American charge for pillows and blankets. As with their policy of not charging for the first two checked bags, Southwest Airlines has taken the opposite approach. They've gotten rid of all pillows and blankets. The airline says it's not to cut costs, but for health reasons.

If you're not feeling warm and fuzzy over having to cough up money for a pillow and a blanket, be sure to bring your own and dress appropriately. Cabin air temperatures can vary between 18ºC - 29ºC (65ºF and 85ºF) and the low end of that range can leave some passengers feeling too cold for comfort. You may be better off bringing your own gear so that you won't be left wondering if the temperature control has conveniently broken on your flight.

If more airlines begin charging for blankets, you might see less and less of the pre-flight rummaging through overhead bins for the few available ones. This could be good news for those who board last and seldom find overhead bin space for their carry-on items. Pillows and blankets won't be taking up valuable space as these will now be under lock and key. But will that empty space be filled with yet another fee idea? Thus far, no airline has begun charging for guaranteed overhead bin space but some frustrated travelers suggest that the airlines have it backwards. They say that carriers should charge for carry-on bags instead of charging for checked bags. With new aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner guaranteeing larger bin space, don't put it past any airline to explore the possibility.

It may be a line that won't get crossed, but how would you feel about paying a fee to guarantee your overhead space? IAPA is asking for feedback on various types of airline fees and we look forward to your input.

Please click here to take our Airline Fees survey