Airline Surcharges

You would have to be living in a hole not to know that airlines are having a tough go of it. This is largely due to the increased price of fuel. From what I understand about physics the heavier the object, in this case an airplane, the more energy, in this case jet fuel, is required to move it. That is the main reason for baggage charges. First they charged for bags over 50lbs. Then for a second checked bag. And now many airlines are charging for the first bag. I understand they are just passing the costs along to the people who are weighing down the planes with potentially unnecessary luggage while being more forgiving to those who pack light, or not at all. What I don't understand is, why stop there.

The airlines should allow each paid ticket 175lbs total weight. When you check in, get on the scale with your luggage and carry-on. If the weight is over 175lbs, let the airlines assess extra fees.

This is the only fair way to charge passengers for the fuel it takes to haul them and their stuff from one place to another. If fuel costs are the real reason for surcharges, why am I being charged for bringing a 25lb suitcase for my 50lb toddler, while his seat cost the same amount as the 300lb guy with a carry-on bag?

And don't get me started on seat creep. That's for another day.