What will airlines do next to cut costs?

The answer: charge for beverages. In the midst of skyrocketing fuel costs, airlines are desperate for ways to keep revenue up, and so far, it seems most airlines have bumped the extra expense to the consumer. Many airlines now charge for checked luggage and meals, but it wasn't until today that major ariline US Airways made the jump to charging for what used to be complimentary beverage service. Bottled water will not cost $2 and other drinks will be $1. Only first class passengers will be exempt.

Other major airlines, including Delta, American, and Northwest, have announced that they will not implement this measure. Even smaller carriers such as Jet Blue and Southwest will continue serving beverages for free.

Still, US Airways spokesperson Morgan Durrant assures that passengers in desperate need of a sip of water will not be denied. He claims that flight attendants will likely “err on the side of the customer” in cases of medical emergency or severe delays.