Second bags no longer free

[Lezam]

Published February 26, 2008
New airline baggage policies

* US Airways
* United Airlines

US Airways

Beginning May 5, 2008, US Airways will begin assessing a $25 fee for a passenger’s second checked bag each way. Travelers who purchased tickets on or before February 26, 2008 are exempt from this policy change.

Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee each way. Oversized bags or those weighing more than 50 lbs. now start at $50 per bag each way and increase depending on weight and the number of bags. This policy applies to all flights within the U.S., to and from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

The checked bag fee does not apply to:

* All Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Chairman’s Preferred)
* Confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check-in
* Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members
* Active military personnel in uniform with ID
* Unaccompanied minors
* Passengers checking personal assistive devices

For more information, please visit US Airways baggage policies.


United Airlines

United’s new checked bag policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008, for travel beginning on May 5, 2008.

Customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee each way. Oversized bags or those weighing more than 50 lbs. now cost $100 per bag each way. Items that require special handling also have new prices.

For customers who have at least Premier status in Mileage Plus or Silver status with Star Alliance, there are no changes to the number of bags they can check for free.

This new checked bag policy also applies to travel beginning within the U.S. and to/from Canada, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

For international flights (except Canada), checking a second bag will continue to be free and the cost to check more bags or bags that are overweight or need special handling varies by destination.

For more information, please visit united.com/baggage.

[Lezam]

A new way to cope with raising fuel prices? I think people are going to avoid them because of this.

[Alex T]

Add Delta Airlines to the list now.

Alex

[PhilDernerJr]

I thought all airlines did this already for the 2nd bag. I don't think it's that big of a deal. I think most vacationers and businessmen travel light anyway.

[Alex T]

I thought all airlines did this already for the 2nd bag. I don't think it's that big of a deal. I think most vacationers and businessmen travel light anyway.

No, every airline except SWA had 2 free bags charge 3rd.

SWA had 3 bags free forever, then now just switched to 2 bags free, 3 charged.


NOW, DL, US and UA are switching to ONLY 1 bag checked rest is charged.

As for vacationers traveling light, they didn't at SWA haha. I was checking on average 3 bags per person for awhile, they certainly used it to the advantage. However WN's study showed only I think 2% of the travelers actually utilized the 3 checked bags on SWA while mostly using 2 bags free on other airlines.

This will hurt the vacationers more, however not where the money goes to of course. Business people won't be affected as usually assuming they are medallion and FFQ members on UA and US with status they are waived the 2nd bag charge also.

Alex

[Art at ISP]

I am sorry to say it will become the norm, and rightly so. It makes sense because it is aimed at the leisure traveler, who typically pays much less on average than the business traveler. Most business travelers spend more on average (in yield AND frequency), and most either check one or no bags, so it will not affect most frequent flyers.

That said, NO one has gone along with US Airways' stupid decision to eliminate the 500 mile minimum accrual for short trips. That was a frontal assault on the customer they should be wooing, the high yield business traveler. There is NO reason for any FF in their right mind to favor US with their business right now--unless they absolutely have to. And the elites are leaving--we are seeing empty seats in first class (even on the 8 seat F cabin of the East 757), and they are now selling status, or giving it away with club memberships....

If only they knew how to run an AIRLINE.

Now if only they could rationalize fares.......

[njgtr82]

No, every airline except SWA had 2 free bags charge 3rd.

Alex

Not COA, they still allow 2 free

[Midnight Mike]

The 2nd bag charge is a petty item & I really do not have any problem with it.

I do have problems with the airlines customer service, or lack thereof, with automated check-ins, those Ticket Agent people can be downright nasty & the people at the gate are never in a good mood.

Usually, the first smiling face you see if from the Flight Attendants, well depending on the Airline.

The Flight Attendants from Alaska & Jetblue are the best that I come across, Northwest was probably the worst, in my opinion of course.

[Alex T]

No, every airline except SWA had 2 free bags charge 3rd.

Alex

Not COA, they still allow 2 free

That's what I said..".No, (responding to phil), every airline (including CO) except SWA, had the policy of 2 bags for free, and charging the 3rd bag and beyond."

Alex

[JetBlueAirwaysFan]

When did Delta make the change?

[Alex T]

When did Delta make the change?

Yesterday-

http://www.atwonline.com/news/other.htm ... F19%2F2008

Alex

[Lezam]

Wow, I had NO idea delta switched to the dark side! I flew them a few weeks ago and took two bags...

I will definately take that into account next time I book tickets, I always manage to bring two bags. I think thats unfare, but heck.. they do what they want