- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
Comments (6)
Print
Save/ShareAmerican Airlines' much-discussed charge of $15 for checking a single bag went into effect Sunday. A few days earlier, United and US Airways both announced that they'd be following along soon, charging their own $15 each way.
It seems possible that soon Southwest will be the only airline not getting on board for this fee. (The company announced back in May that it has no plans to charge extra for either a first or a second checked bag).
If you're determined to avoid this nickel-and-diming by getting everything in your carry-on, there are lots of luggage makers only too willing to help. The Washington Post recently took a look at some multipart bags—backpacks with removable daypacks, that sort of thing. Getting highest marks is the wonderfully named Tarmac Plus One from Eagle Creek. The $275 wheelie bag has within it a day-pack with a laptop sleeve. Of course, $275 will buy you nearly 10 round-trip luggage fees, so it's hardly a perfect solution if you didn't have a pricey bag in your budget already.
For many families, it might make the most sense to swallow hard and plan on checking at least one (large) piece of luggage rather than deal with the logistics of getting multiple carry-ons to come in at the right weight. At least one travel expert plans on paying the fee. Even though Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler, could cram all her belongings into a carry-on, she told the New York Times that paying the fee is a "bargain" compared to participating in the likely nightmarish scenarios that await those tied down by fat carry-ons.
"Picture the security lines for all the people who say, 'Well, harrumph, I'm not going to pay $15.' Every person, every little old lady with a carry-on bag that they can't lift," she said.
EARLIER
Ultimate one-bag packing tips.
The two most budget-friendly bags picked by USA Today as the latest and greatest.
American Airlines responds to critics of its $15 fee.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.
It just stinks to charge for an acommadation after paying high airline tickets
Posted By Jeff Delulio on June 16, 2008, 1:14 PM
This is why I usually fly Southwest!
Posted By South Jersey Steve on June 16, 2008, 4:21 PM
Rather see higher fares than another charge. I quit flying American when they charged me $100 to change a ticket in an emergency. How much trouble is it to make a change in a computer? More airlines should copy the way Southwest runs an airline. I always fly them if possible.
Posted By Glenda Martinez on June 16, 2008, 5:13 PM
I am not complaining about baggage fees. The airlines are not responsible for increasing fuel prices!! I am thankful that my international ticket,purchased 12-07, is not going to be increased. To me, that is more than fair - and what is $15 per bag!!
Posted By margaret jamieson on June 16, 2008, 6:45 PM
I concur... If you can afford to go on a trip that is too long for you to back light, then you can afford to pay the 30 extra bucks roundtrip for a checked bag. Plain and simple.
Posted By Megan Sterritt on June 18, 2008, 1:10 PM
Do travelers have any fallback when the airlines are trying to add these fees to tickets that were already booked? I know the secretary of transportation has said they shouldn't be doing it, but is anyone enforcing it?
Posted By Caren on June 30, 2008, 10:19 PM