AA to Charge $50 for Second Bag on Some Overseas Flights
Jerry Limone, Travel Weekly, 8/21/2009
American will charge passengers $50 for a second checked bag on some international flights, effective for ticket purchases on and after Sept. 14.
The charge applies to flights to India and the following European countries: Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Elite-level flyers, premium-class customers, active military personnel and customers purchasing full-fare economy tickets are exempt from paying the $50 fee. All transatlantic flyers can continue to check one bag for free, said American.
Customers may pay checked-bag charges at an airport self-service kiosk or an airport ticket counter.
Continental Revises Checked Bag Fees
Travel Weekly, 8/27/2009
Continental Airlines has increased the fee for a second checked bag on transatlantic flights to $50, effective for tickets purchased on or after Aug. 27 for travel beginning Sept. 15.
The first bag remains free to check. Travelers using Continental's website to check in receive a $5 discount.
The fee will be waived for elite-level customers, premium-class passengers and military personnel on active duty.
US Airways Implements New Bag Fee, Raises Others
Jerry Limone, Travel Weekly , 8/26/2009
US Airways has matched American Airlines' $50 charge for a second checked bag on transatlantic flights, effective for tickets purchased on or after Aug. 26 for travel beginning Oct. 7.
If travelers don't use US Airways' website to check the bag, they'll be charged $55 to check it at the airport. The fee for checking a third bag on transatlantic flights remains $100, whether customers do it online or at the airport.
Travelers can continue to check one bag for free on transatlantic flights.
Also on Oct. 7, US Airways is increasing checked-bag fees for all other flights, including domestic, Caribbean, Canada and Mexico. It will charge $20 for the first checked bag, a $5 increase. If travelers don't check the bag online, they'll pay $25.
The fee for a second checked bag also will increase $5, to $30 for online users and $35 for airport checkers.
Elite-level customers, premium-class passengers and military personnel on active duty continue to be exempt from all US Airways bag fees.
Virgin America Raises Checked-bag Fee to $20
Jerry Limone, Travel Weekly , 8/21/2009
Virgin America has increased its fee for each checked bag from $15 to $20, a move that matches several U.S. carriers.
The new policy is in effect for bookings made on or after Aug. 21 for travel starting on or after Sept. 10.
Premium-class travelers and customers who buy Main Cabin Select (coach with more legroom) or refundable fares are exempt from paying fees for checked bags.