Cheap air fares: just add surcharges

"$25 for not getting a seat?"

"No, sir," said the agent. "The $25 is for a strap on the ceiling to hold onto."

"What if I don't want a strap?"

"Sir, the FAA requires it."

"Give me a seat," I said reluctantly.

"Fine. One seat. Now will that be a window seat, an aisle seat, or one of the five pencil-thin narrow seats between them?"

"An aisle seat would be nice," I said.

"$50 said the agent."

"You charge for a seat and another charge for an aisle seat? I asked incredulous.

"It's a lot cheaper than a window seat."

"Why is it less than a window seat?"

"Everyone knows that in a window seat you can look out at absolutely nothing but clouds, but get the joy of inconveniencing the other passengers as much as you want when you have to go to the bathroom."