Airline Baggage Fees

[DwarfMaster]

I haven't flown since the airlines started charging for checked bags. I'm curious as to what some of the current policies are? Does anyone know any off hand?

I admit - I was too lazy to go to every airline's website & read each one. I figured some of the DIS Frequent Fliers may know.

 

[monkey68]

I just booked a flight on jet blue, and they said I got one checked bag, free of charge. A second bag is $25. I'm not sure if it's because we're flying to Dominican Republic, and it's considered international. My parents flew to Israel recently on Continental, and they were also allowed one checked bag for free. But again, I think that might be because it's international. I haven't checked a bag on a national flight in a long time.

 

[Darcy03231]

I know that at the end of April, Continental and US Air were $15 for the first checked bag up to 50 lbs and $25 for the 2nd, each way.

Southwest still has 2 free checked bags.

 

[DwarfMaster]

Southwest still has 2 free checked bags.

Good to know

 

[DrCavin]

Airtran is $15 per bag for first 2 then $50 per!! 50lbs per bag

 

[Aristomommy]

DH just flew with Delta and paid $15 each way for his bag. He could have taken it as a carry on, but with 2 connections, he didn't want to drag it through airports.

 

[dare2dream]

DH read an article about a new baggage fee policy from United and US Airways beginning later this summer. If you pay your baggage fees at the airport when you check in for your flight you will pay an extra $5 - that translates to $20 instead of $15 for your first bag weighing less than 50 pounds.

Here's a link to the article. My favorite part of the article states:

The 21 largest U.S. carriers generated $1.2 billion in baggage fees in 2008, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Geez and the airlines are STILL losing money. Go figure. And of course for my fun filled June adventures I will be flying United and US Airways but I think I am safe since my tickets have already been purchased. This policy just means more future worries when I fly.

 

[MoniqueU]

It's currently 15 dollars on United and American for the first bag. I just checked last night because my son will be using one airline one way and one the other for a trip to DC this summer.

 

[bumbershoot]

Alaska will soon be charging for the first checked bag. Virgin America started a few months ago.

As far as I know, SW and Jet Blue are the only holdouts, and SW is the only one that allows two checked bags for no fee.

 

[AnimalKingdomLover15]

I just came back from Disney and flew Jet blue. My first bag was free, and my second was $20 bucks to, and $20 bucks back. I bought that lightweight luggage and it was worth it to me to spend the 20 so I just would not have overpacked! My bags only came to 25/28 pounds. So It was really great!! and easy.

 

[crownweather]

We just flew roundtrip to Orlando through Delta. Opted to go with one checked bag for the two of us. The trip down the suitcase weighed a little less than 50 lbs and cost us $15. However, the way home, the weight came out to 57 lbs....I asked the attendent checking us in how much it would cost for the overage. Her reply: 90 DOLLARS!! So, we transferred our shoes and a couple of pairs of jean shorts to a tote bag and the second weighing ran us about 48 lbs and I paid the 15 dollars. I think the $90 charge for 7 pounds over is completely ridiculous! and I thought I'd give you all a heads up about it.

 

[suzannews]

We usually fly Southwest so no baggage fees. Next month we are flying JetBlue, again, no baggage fee for the 1st bag per person (there are 3 of us). We flew Spirit in November when my FIL passed away and it was crazy. $15 per bag each way plus they charged to pick your seats ahead of time. Their customer service told me I didn't have to pay for seats ahead of time and could wait till check in at the airport but theres no guarantee to sit together. We paid because I didn't want my daughter sitting 10 rows ahead of me with strangers. Both flights were packed so I'm glad we paid but we will never fly Spirit again.


Website with most airlines listed... http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/Airf.../868/Checked-bag-fees-airline-by-airline.aspx

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think the $90 charge for 7 pounds over is completely ridiculous! and I thought I'd give you all a heads up about it.

But if that's what Delta charges for an overweight bag, that's what they charge - it doesn't matter if you're one pound over, or seven pounds, or nineteen. Stopping there because I think the overweight baggage fee for 70+ pounds is a lot higher than the quoted $90.

 

[delilah]

Airtran is $15 per bag for first 2 then $50 per!! 50lbs per bag

Wow, this is good to know. We are going to Florida this week on Northwest. They charge $15 each way for the first bag. My son and I are going in August. I don't think I could manage 2 bags for each of us, but, it's good to know.

 

[golfgal]

If you do online check in before you leave you can get a reduced fee for the baggage fee. I know United is $15 and the airport but $12 if you do online check-in.

 

[AnimalKingdomLover15]

We just flew roundtrip to Orlando through Delta. Opted to go with one checked bag for the two of us. The trip down the suitcase weighed a little less than 50 lbs and cost us $15. However, the way home, the weight came out to 57 lbs....I asked the attendent checking us in how much it would cost for the overage. Her reply: 90 DOLLARS!! So, we transferred our shoes and a couple of pairs of jean shorts to a tote bag and the second weighing ran us about 48 lbs and I paid the 15 dollars. I think the $90 charge for 7 pounds over is completely ridiculous! and I thought I'd give you all a heads up about it.

this is why I opted for taking a second bag just for myself. I like to take food down and gifts home! I talked to jet blue ahead of time and the price was about the same! It made so much more since to know a head of time and pay 20 bucks for the second bag and not worry then to pay that much money!

 

[Barb]

Southwest has become my new favorite airline. They are trying to squeeze every penny out of our pockets! No baggage feees and no fee for a soda on the flight.

 

[crownweather]

Agreed about Southwest. We are using them in October when we are flying to Disney for our wedding. Can't wait!!

 

[beckmrk04]

I'm flying American Airlines tomorrow and it's $15 for the first bag per person, each way. So, for 3 checked bags for 3 people, we're going to spend an extra $90.

I could have gotten away with 2 checked bags, BUT, we're going to Disneyland and I'm sure I'll want souvenirs to bring home, so we're packing diapers and extra snacks in the 3rd bag (my daughter's) and then we'll have room for souvenirs on the way home!