Airline baggage costs rising
Not only are gas surcharges on airlines tickets going up, but many airlines are increasing their fees when you check an extra bag or an overweight bag, according to BestFares.com, a Web site about cheap travel. Many of the changes will hit travelers this summer.
The site says "AirTran Airways became the latest airline to introduce a fee to check a second bag, though the carrier plans to charge $10 compared with the $25 fee adopted by most legacy airlines. AirTran said it plans to assess the charge for travel beginning May 15."
Continental Airlines now charges $25 for a second bag. Southwest Airlines recently reduced their free checked baggage allowance from three to two bags. In April, American, United, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Virgin America and US Airways increased the charge for overweight checked bags to $50 each way, the story says.
Northwest Airines, AirTran, Alaska Air, Midwest Airlines and Southwest Airlines charge $25 for overweight bags. JetBlue charges $20 for overweight bags, which most airlines define as over 50 pounds. Carry on policies are getting tighter too so it's a good idea to check the policy on the Web site of the airline you are flying, or click below.
AirTran Airways excess baggage policy.
American Airlines excess baggage policy.
Continental excess baggage policy.
Delta excess baggage policy. excess baggage policy.
Northwest excess baggage policy. excess baggage policy.
Southwest excess baggage policy.
United excess baggage policy. excess baggage policy.
US Airways excess baggage policy.
Virgin America excess baggage policy.
Travel light, travel cheap!

