Hi Folks --
With all the discussion about baggage costs, I thought I'd post this great summary that was part of my newsletter from VACATIONS TO GO.
We just returned from Orlando today and only took one bag for three people for four days. We just barely came under the 50 lb limit (after I took out my book and had one of the boys carry it in their backpacks). They also measured my case to make sure it was under some size allowance (it was barely).
Anyway, here's the info from that newsletter:
[FONT="]Escalating fuel costs are also having a negative impact on airlines, and in response, several major carriers have announced additional fees and restrictions on checked baggage.
Beginning in May and with some exceptions,
Continental,
Delta,
Northwest,
United and
US Airways will assess a $25 charge when passengers check a second bag on domestic flights (US Airways' fee will apply to international flights as well). This fee applies to each leg of travel, so customers will pay $50 on a second checked bag for roundtrip flights.
Continental's new charge affects customers who purchased nonrefundable economy tickets on or after April 5, 2008, for flights departing on or after May 5, 2008 and applies to all domestic flights, plus travel to Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Coach customers booked in the "Y class" of service, OnePass Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, Elite-for-a-Day customers, on-duty active military personnel, first class and BusinessFirst customers are exempt from this charge, and will be allowed to check a second bag for free.
Delta will charge $25 for a second checked bag for passengers traveling on or after May 1st on domestic flights, including travel within the United States and to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. First class and Business Elite passengers will be allowed to check up to three bags at no additional charge on Delta and Delta Connection-operated flights only.
Northwest's new policy is applicable to nonrefundable, domestic economy tickets purchased on or after March 29, 2008, for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Northwest defines domestic travel as within the U.S. and to or from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Northwest Airlines' Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers and passengers booked in Full Fare classes may still check two bags free of charge, and first class passengers may check up to three bags without charge.
United Airlines will charge $50 round-trip ($25 per leg) for checking a second piece of luggage on tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for flights departing on or after May 5, 2008 and traveling within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. The following types of passengers are exempt from this fee and may check up to two bags at no cost: first class, business class, First Award, Business Award, Mileage Plus Premier, Mileage Plus Premier Associate, Star Alliance Silver Members, Mileage Plus Global Services, Mileage Plus 1K, Mileage Plus Premier Executive, Star Alliance Gold Members and military personnel with orders.
Also on May 5, US Airways will begin charging those who booked on or after February 26 a $50 round-trip fee ($25 per leg) for checking a second piece of luggage. US Airways will apply this fee for domestic and some international travel. Dividend Miles Preferred members, passengers traveling to and from Europe or Asia, first class and Envoy passengers, Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors and passengers checking personal assistance devices (such as a wheelchair) are exempt from these charges.
In most cases, travelers whose itineraries include a city outside of the US (other than in those destinations mentioned above), as either the origin or destination, will not be subject to the second-bag fee. For example, someone flying on Continental from Austin to Houston and connecting to London would not have to pay to check a second bag.
Please note that if you book your airfare through a cruise line's Air/Sea program, and your assigned flights are with one of the above-mentioned airlines, you will be subject to the $25 fee for a second checked bag, even if your frequent flier program status (Elite, Preferred, etc.) would normally exempt you from it. Only if you request an air deviation with business or first class seats, for an additional fee, will you be able to apply your frequent flier status to your flights to gain exemption from the second bag fee.
For all airlines, baggage is subject to size and weight restrictions as well. Generally, bags weighing more than 50 lbs. on domestic flights are subject to additional fees. Often, weight limits for international flights are lower than those for domestic flights. If your travel plans include flights between countries overseas, be sure to check the airlines' web sites to confirm which restrictions are applicable to your flights, before you leave home.
Other major airlines, including Southwest and American, have not yet announced additional fees for second checked bags, but may follow suit.
TTFN
Theresa
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Although I was sad it happened I am glad it happened now and not on the TOAL.
but I like it. I put red sparkle discs on the nose.
Last cruise with my other new camera 
I would hurry up and wipe the front then snap the pic. It worked out o.k
(I amuse easily!)
whatever, and watch them run the crew ragged. As entertainment value, it has distinct possibilities. 
