American Airlines to charge for blankets

If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines, it will cost you.

The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for Hawaii and some international flights longer than two hours, beginning May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

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, which will include a store coupon to Bed, Bath & Beyond.

JetBlue and US Airways charge $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, with US Airways adding eye shades and earplugs.

Airlines have steadily added and increased fees for other services such as checking luggage and buying tickets from a reservation agent since 2008 to help cover jet fuel costs and offset large losses.