DALLAS (AP) — If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines, it's going to cost you.
The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class on domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, starting May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.
Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday that the decision was an economic one. She says blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and in all cabins for other international flights.
The airline will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
JetBlue and US Airways charge $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, with US Airways adding eye shades and earplugs.
American parent AMR Corp. lost $1.47 billion last year — and $3.59 billion in the past two years — as traffic fell during the recession and competition limited American's ability to raise fares.
