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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, February 8, 2009

On US Airways, warmth and comfort will come at a price

Associated Press

TEMPE, Ariz. — If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on US Airways, it's going to cost you $7.

US Airways said it will begin charging for its "Power-Nap Sack" on Feb. 16. It's following the lead of JetBlue Airways, which announced a similar policy last summer.

Airlines are adding fees on checked luggage and now pillows and blankets to raise more money as they battle a downturn in travel. US Airways reported that January traffic fell 6.2 percent.

Kevin Jackson, a marketing official for US Airways, said the move "is a natural extension of our 'pay for what you choose and use' model we began rolling out last year."

Jackson said the sleep kit was an affordable way for passengers to increase their comfort while flying.The kits include a 34-by-60-inch fleece blanket, a neck pillow, eye shades, foam ear plugs and a $10-off coupon for items in the SkyMall catalog.