Heads up!!! So mad...Alaska Air now charging to check bags!

[Mom of three]

So I went on Alaska Airlines site to get some information about child safety seats and found out that after July 7th they are now charging to check bags!!

I know this is quite common across the board with airlines, but Alaska has been so great thus far. I guess I was hoping they would not supercede to junk fees.

This is going to be an additional $100 expense on my end. There is not really any way I can manage to carry on 4 bags, stroller AND a car seat with the kids.

 

[bumbershoot]

Can you change your plans to Southwest?

Alaska announced the future change back in May, shortly after my fave airline, Virgin America, started charging as well.

 

[specialks]

I know the feeling. We booked our tickets on May 11th and found out they started charging on bookings after May 2nd or so. I was so mad I didn't book one week sooner. I talked to the customer service about it because we are loyal Mileage Plan members and they explained that it has been done by airlines across the board and after not implementing it they didn't gain any additional business from not charging. So, after reporting major quarterly losses they decided to add it. It really is a disappointment but if you think about it, you are using more gas to transport your stuff to your destination than the business guy next to you with just a carry-on. I feel that it makes sense for airlines to charge for the services you use. The part that makes me p***** off is when airlines charge you to pick your seat at booking. That is completely a, "lets stick'em where ever we can" mentality. If Alaska starts doing that then I am going to have a HUGE issue!

 

[MAH4546]

You won't be charged fees if you booked before they made the announcement.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

We just flew delta for a wedding out of town...booked months ago, didn't see they were charging for bags...otherwise I would have picked another airline. I even pulled out my confirmation and no mention of it. Then when we check in the asked for a CC to pay for the bags. I was livid!

 

[Mom of three]

You won't be charged fees if you booked before they made the announcement.

I made our online ressies a couple weeks ago, didnt see anything about the changes during that time. Usually there is some sort of an advisory at the top of the page giving you notice about any changes.

I cannot change our reservations as I used miles and companion fare certificate.

Not a happy camper...but I guess I dont have a choice. Im certainly not going to let it ruin my vacation thats for sure.

 

[bumbershoot]

On the other hand, they have the new program starting 7/7:


Starting July 7 - Get Your Bags in 25 Minutes or Get $25
Baggage Service Guarantee


At Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, we extend our caring service to you and your belongings. We understand how important time is to you. That's why we will be the first major U.S. carrier to implement a Baggage Service Guarantee.

Effective July 7, 2009: If your baggage is not at baggage claim within 25 minutes of your plane parking at the gate, you're entitled to a $25 Discount Code for use on a future Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air flight or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus miles.

If we don't meet our 25 minute guarantee, simply see an Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air Customer Service Agent for your voucher.
Terms and Conditions Highlights

* Valid on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air operated flights through December 31, 2009, except for flights arriving from Mexico.
* One Baggage Service Guarantee voucher per ticketed passenger regardless of number of bags checked.
* $25 Discount Code must be applied toward purchase of a ticket on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air by January 31, 2011. Not redeemable at ticket counters or through travel agent.
* Your Baggage Service Guarantee voucher may not be redeemed for cash, bartered, or sold.
* Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air reserve the right to suspend the Baggage Service Guarantee in cases of airport baggage system malfunctions, severe weather, or other conditions out of the airlines' control that prohibit timely baggage delivery.


*********

Are you an MVP member of the mileage plan? Says first bag is free for MVPs...

 

[Mom of three]

On the other hand, they have the new program starting 7/7:


Starting July 7 - Get Your Bags in 25 Minutes or Get $25
Baggage Service Guarantee


*********

Are you an MVP member of the mileage plan? Says first bag is free for MVPs...

I saw that too. Should I begin praying that my baggage is delayed to defray some of the cost of them being checked?

No, Im not cool enough to be MVP. Guess I will just have to make more trips to DL in order to qualify for MVP status though.

 

[specialks]

I made our online ressies a couple weeks ago, didnt see anything about the changes during that time. Usually there is some sort of an advisory at the top of the page giving you notice about any changes.

I cannot change our reservations as I used miles and companion fare certificate.

Not a happy camper...but I guess I dont have a choice. Im certainly not going to let it ruin my vacation thats for sure.

We made our reservations, in May, online using our companion fare and another reservation using miles and there was a notice at the bottom of the page with all the other "fine print". It was pretty obvious to me because I always read those things.

 

[Mom of three]

We made our reservations, in May, online using our companion fare and another reservation using miles and there was a notice at the bottom of the page with all the other "fine print". It was pretty obvious to me because I always read those things.

Yup. I went back and looked just to confirm and it was in the fine print at the bottom along with all the other rules and regulations. Still not happy about it, but theres nothing I can do now.

 

[disneyscootergal]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the heads up on this!! I booked with Delta thinking they still don't charge for the 1st checked bag...what a sneaky way to slide another charge in behind our backs!! I'll just take a carryon--I did it 2 years ago, I can do it again!!

 

[teatime]

On alegiant I was charged for baggage and my seat !! I was mad but hey, I got the flights several hundreds of dollars cheaper for the three of us all toll. of course we have to fly out 120 miles away from home to. I also got a giant suit case that can be checked with lots of cloths and extra's, we are doing a small carry on with 3 out fits each and things we will need in case god forbid the luggage gets lost. So we will only check in the giant suit case and pack on 3 carry on suitcases with rollers . and our back packs ( kids will have there games in there, me I will have my laptop.
this was just for 2 people ..... made me mad to see all the charges !!

AIRFARE: $316.00
SEGMENT FEES: $14.40
PFC: $18.00
911 SECURITY: $10.00
PREPAID BAGS: $30.00
SEAT SELECTION FEE: $56.00
PRIORITY BOARDING: $20.00
CONVENIENCE FEE: $27.00
TRIP FLEX: $30.00

TOTAL: $521.40

this was for the third girl....

AIRFARE: $208.00
SEGMENT FEES: $7.20
PFC: $9.00
911 SECURITY: $5.00
SEAT SELECTION FEE: $28.00
PRIORITY BOARDING: $15.00
CONVENIENCE FEE: $13.50

TOTAL: $285.70

 

[NancyIL]

We just flew delta for a wedding out of town...booked months ago, didn't see they were charging for bags...otherwise I would have picked another airline. I even pulled out my confirmation and no mention of it. Then when we check in the asked for a CC to pay for the bags. I was livid!

Unless "months ago" was before Nov. 6, 2008 - Delta has been charging for checked bags for awhile. Delta's policies are listed under "Traveling & Check-in": http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/index.jsp

Checked Baggage—within the United States

When traveling within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico, customers who purchased a ticket on or after November 6, 2008, will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag (each way, for round trip).

 

[Karebear]

To the OP

I have been told by several of my friends who fly a lot that the airlines will not charge you to check car seats/booster seats. They only charge for the luggage. Hope this helps!

 

[Mom of three]

To the OP

I have been told by several of my friends who fly a lot that the airlines will not charge you to check car seats/booster seats. They only charge for the luggage. Hope this helps!

Thank you...I saw that as well.

Maybe I can somehow fashion my suitcase into the shape of a stroller or car seat?

Kidding of course.