Airlines On Board Plan To Charge For Extra Bags

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United, U.S. Air adding $25 fee for a second suitcase
Posted: 4:35 PM Feb 27, 2008
Last Updated: 7:22 PM Feb 27, 2008
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

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First airlines raised ticket prices by adding a fuel surcharge. Now, some will be charging passengers more for extra baggage.

Another airline will soon be charging passengers for checking extra bags when they travel within the U.S. United led the charge by assessing a $25 fee for a second bag. Now, U.S. Airways plans to do the same.

“I try to travel as light as possible,” says passenger Mathew Brack. “I mean if worst comes to shove, I’ll pay it if I have to."

"It's not fair to make you pay to have an extra bag," says Amy Brack.

United says its surcharge has everything to do with increasing gas costs. The new policy applies to all travel taken within the U.S. on or after May 5th.

United Airlines’ business travelers, like Ray Kaminski, are exempt. "I think everybody should have to pay. Even when I fly on vacations I really don't hesitate on paying the extra. It’s not gonna bother me all that much."

United tells Channel 6 News the reason business travelers are exempt is because those passengers generally pay more for their tickets up front.

There are airlines that are holding off on charging customers more for packing more. At Northwest Airlines, you can still check in two bags for no additional charge and it's definitely a relief to customers.

"I think that's very nice because that's a lot of luggage going on a plane if you get two per person,” says Northwest customer Pam Birge.

Southwest Airlines charges more for a third bag.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: riti happy on Nov 28, 2008 at 01:38 AM
It is a pity you cannot take stuff with when travelling. the 9\11 did not cause a mess, but the so call Mr Bush the first earth men. Paid so must for ticket 11,000 and I have to extra payment. When Mr Cliton was the president everyone was happy no war, pace with Countries. This does make sense @ all @ all. If i have to drive I will love to do. It is really affect everyone, pain the butt. extra bag for $150-$175 with children is over, because children have to eat and drink. P\l every top women and men LOOK DEEP INTO IT.

Posted by: Lisa on Mar 31, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I tell you what i'll be doing from now on, instead of flying to New York. I will drive. Its a pain in the but but you know what, its cheaper on my nerves and I dont have to worry about being stuck on the tarmac.

Posted by: Frequent Flyer on Feb 29, 2008 at 02:31 PM
And that man they interviewed, Ray Kaminski seemed like a real nice gentleman.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 28, 2008 at 01:46 PM
(Shawn) Southwest is a premium carrier? When did that happen?

Posted by: Susan on Feb 28, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I would rather pay extra for the second bag than have all airline tickets go up to cover the ever-increasing costs associtated with travel. That way you have control over your costs. If you want to save money - pack less. Probably a good lesson for all of America anyway. Why do we need so much "Stuff"?

Posted by: BJ on Feb 28, 2008 at 10:41 AM
They have to find ways to produce more revenue. Lets face it 9/11 really did change a lot of things.

Posted by: Shawn on Feb 28, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Getting to the nuts and bolts of the issue. There are two choices ahead for consumers of the airline industry... pay extra for the second bag you brought or bay a higher ticket price. There are premium carriers that do not charge extra for a second bag now (Southwest, American, Northwest, Midwest, etc) but with growing cost of operations the airlines have to recoup the loss somewhere. I would prefer to spend the extra $25 dollars per extra bag than have the airlines cut costs on stuff like maintanence.

Posted by: itica on Feb 27, 2008 at 11:52 PM
They already charge by the pound - anything over 50 lbs and you pay more or take things out to reduce the weight to 50 lbs.

Posted by: Doug on Feb 27, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Anonymous - I hate to tell you this, but that is already in the plan. Of course they want to charge. Anything to make money. Pretty soon your ticket price will be based upon how much you weigh. Dang, I shouldn't have given them that idea. Just wait, it is coming I bet.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 27, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Now the first time a passenger checks in a big suitcase/bag that weighs a lot - then the airlines are going to want to charge by the pound.