Baggage fees-please help me understand them

[Simba's Mom]

When an airline says it charges $25 for the first bag, is that each way? So if Mom and Dad are flying to WDW, and they each bring one bag, would that cost an additional $50 or an additional $100? I'm trying to compare the cost of Jet Blue (no luggage fees) with Delta. Surprisingly, the other day, Delta was cheaper than Jet Blue out of Boston, but I'm trying to figure the added cost of luggage fees. Also, does Jet Blue let you rebook if the price goes down, as Southwest does? Firtunately, DH and I never experienced this luggage charge stuff because of his FF status, so that's why it's new to me.

 

[ancestry]

It is $25 per bag (for the first bag) per person so yes, round trip for mom and dad to each check a bag would be $100. If the price goes down you can call Jet Blue and they usually will issue you a credit for the difference. Not a cash refund by a credit to be used on future travel.

 

[WeLuvTink!]

$25 per bag x 2 bags x 2 trips (their and back) = $100. Sucks, I know!

Not sure about Delta, but some airlines charge even more for a 2nd bag, so if in doubt, record 1 bag as your mother's and the other bag as your father's (hence the 1st bag per person is $25).

 

[kycat]

American Express (Gold, Plat, Reserve) members get their first bag free (everyone on their reservation) on Delta.

It saves us $200 every time we go somewhere.

So check and see if your parents are members.

 

[Simba's Mom]

American Express (Gold, Plat, Reserve) members get their first bag free (everyone on their reservation) on Delta.

It saves us $200 every time we go somewhere.

So check and see if your parents are members.

Thanks for that information. I think my parents do have the American Express Gold card.

 

[Minniekins]

American Express (Gold, Plat, Reserve) members get their first bag free (everyone on their reservation) on Delta.

It saves us $200 every time we go somewhere.

So check and see if your parents are members.

Hmmm, is this only on Delta? I wonder if Airtran has anything like this.

 

[Missytara]

Hmmm, is this only on Delta? I wonder if Airtran has anything like this.

Airtran has a deal with A+ Visa card holders; you can earn rewards towards first class upgrades - who do not pay extra for the first bag.

Also, at the gate, if they offer an upgrade to first class for a fee; they will refund you the baggage fee paid.

 

[kaytieeldr]

$25 per bag x 2 bags x 2 trips (their and back) = $100. Sucks, I know!

If you look at it that way, yeah.

If you look at it the more realistic way:
Mom's outbound fare on Delta: $100 + $25 luggage = $125
Mom's outbound fare on JetBlue: $129 + $0 = $129
Mom's return fare on Delta: $100 + $25 luggage = $125
Mom's return fare on JetBlue: $129 + $0 = $129
Dad's outbound fare on Delta: $100 + $25 luggage = $125
Dad's outbound fare on JetBlue: $129 + $0 = $129
Dad's return fare on Delta: $100 + $25 luggage = $125
Dad's return fare on JetBlue: $129 + $0 = $129

You'll find you're paying a total of $500 on Delta and $516 on JetBlue

Different airline, but the above scenario is entirely realistic: I could fly from Las Vegas to Boston for $164 on JetBlue, or on Continental for $139 + $23 ($162), Guess which one I chose?

 

[Missytara]

That's a great way of looking at it.

Everyone comments on how SW is the only way to go because they don't charge for bags; even when I have never solicited an opinion from someone - i.e., sitting at a local watering hole and talking about my annual trip to Disney.

Consistently for my last couple of trips, Airtran has come out cheaper from BWI, even with the seat fee and the baggage fees.

It is good to do a comparision like the one above!