Is Northwest's move just the beginning?

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

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Yesterday Northwest announced it would charge $15 for some seat selections. Now airline expert and Cheapseats.com spokesperson Terry Trippler is predicting it’s just the beginning.

Trippler says in an email, “Emergency exit rows can probably earn them more than $15, so I expect to see that amount increased.” He goes on to say, “I believe a $1 to $2 charge for sodas and juice is coming [to the airline industry], but the most controversial issue will be when the first airline announces a charge for checking baggage. I believe it’s coming and it’s coming in 2006.”

Unfortunately there’s already precedent overseas. British low-cost carrier Ryanair announced its own charge for checked baggage earlier this year.

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