As the airline industry faces high fuel prices and passengers are being hit with a multitude of new fees and extra charges, US Airways has decided to charge for non-alcoholic beverages in flight, beginning August 1. The airline will start charging passengers $2 for soft drinks and $1 for coffee and hot tea.  “Rather than charge the fare necessary to produce their product, management has chosen to resort to the tactics of ultra low fare carriers,” said US Airways Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Mike Flores. “This model resorts to a nickel and dime approach to the airlines most valuable asset - the passengers. Flight attendants are trained and certified safety professionals, not cashiers to be used in management’s futile attempt to bolster US Airways bottom line.” Exempt from the charge will be passengers traveling on transatlantic flights and on the US Airways Shuttle. Unaccompanied minors will also be exempt and those with medical conditions will be assessed by flight attendants and offered a free soft drink under what the airline calls “the good judgment of our flight attendants.” Lisa LeCarre, America West AFA-CWA President said “selling these items detracts from the focus on safety for both passengers and crew. While we understand management’s intent to add revenue, this program will put both flight attendants and passengers in a ‘no win’ situation.”