Consumerism Commentary - Latest Comments in Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

SavingDiva — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:18:41 -0000

Before airlines started charging for checked luggage, I used to overpack. In order to save $25 (I usually fly Northwest or United), I have started packing in a carry-on for up to week long trips. While it requires some planning, I only miss my full size products! :)

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Eric — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:10:39 -0000

I hate to jinx Southwest, but I am SO GLAD they're the major airline in my airport hub. They did good with their oil hedges and I hope they stay that way!

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Ron — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:52:01 -0000

I have started sending my bags ahead to my hotel via FedEx. Then I take a few items in a carry on and life is GOOD. I pack light anyway.

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Harlan Landes — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:20:24 -0000

Thanks for the updates! I added in Alaska Airlines and U.S. Airways.

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Erica — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:44:11 -0000

Hi Flexo,

Thanks! I typically fly Southwest, but it's good to see the other airlines. Southwest isn't the most comfortable for long-term flights. Used to fly America West (now US Air) often enough to get the free tickets, but since they became US Air their flights have become far more expensive than Southwest.

Southwest tip: Check in online EXACTLY 24 hours (to the minute!) for your flight to get the highest A number boarding pass. I set a reminder on my phone for this. You can check in online even if you don't have a printer; just check in 24 hours ahead, then reprint your boarding pass at the airport.

-Erica

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Kelly — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:46:17 -0000

You can find details about US Airways here: http://www.usairways.com/aw...

They may be the worst of the bunch since they will start charging a $5 fee if you don't prepay online for your bags. Yes, you read that right!
With US Airways you can NOT avoid the fees by being a frequent flier member, only if you are a preferred member (meaning you spend a LOT of time flying).

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Enrique S — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:57:04 -0000

On our recent vacation, we carried on all of our bags. It was the first time doing so, and it worked out fine. We flew on JetBlue, and were each allowed a carryon and a smaller bag. Not checking your luggage has many advantages (no lost bags being one of them), and brings another dimension to packing. We definitely brought less stuff than usual, and still had items that weren't even used.

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Baker — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:40:51 -0000

Awesome list. This would be a great resource for people to check with before they book. These fees can sneak up on you sometimes.

We personally love flying Southwest and I'm glad they don't charge for the first two bags. I honestly feel they do a great job all-around!

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Amber — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:20:35 -0000

US Airways. $15 for the first bag until June 1, I believe, when it jumps to $17. $25 and $27 for the second and on up but I never check more than one so I'm not certain.

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Olivia — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:10:47 -0000

Thanks for this list! This is one of the main reasons why I try to always fly Southwest. They also have less fees all around than other airlines and you get to choose where you sit on a first come first serve basis. I love Southwest!

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

Jason H — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:48:16 -0000

Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air has baggage fees of $15 for first, $25 for second, and $50 for third. Also until the end of the year they have a guarantee. From their website: "if your baggage is not at the baggage claim within 25 minutes of your plane parking at the gate, you're entitled to a certificate for either a discount code for $25 off a future Alaska or Horizon flight or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus miles"

Re: Airline Fees for Checking Bags

melane nelson — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:20:58 -0000

Not a major airline, but nice to add to the list anyway.

Allegiant Airlines, $15 for first checked bag, $25 for second checked bag. These apply only if purchased at time of booking. Otherwise, it is $25 for first checked bag and $35 for second checked bag; additional higher fees for 3 or more bags. Bags that are "gate-checked" are $35.