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What's a bag worth? Approximately $1.76 billion if you are a "big-5" airline like US Airways, American, UAL, Delta or Continental. During the second quarter of last year, while the nation's legions were fleeing the great fleecing of America by their banks and brokers and sipping their Starbuck's on the unemployment line, the country's largest carriers were raking in an extra $670 million from stuck travelers with too much liquid in tow or bags too bulky to squeeze up top.
Next time you throw those oversized tennies into the suitcase or empty your entire make-up chest into your luggage because you cannot decide what to bring, think$25 to $35. As of this month that is what it is going to cost per bag if you want to travel with your closet. Or even with a second pair of shoes.
The move marks another notch in the strange removal of free amenities and services by the airlines, and nickel and diming on the backs of travelers. These are the same passengers who are already contorted and wedged into their seats; who are sadly accustomed to long lines, continuous cancellations and changes, and forced to arrive a day ahead of time if they have to be some place on time.
The fees apply for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and affect mostly travelers holding discounted economy tickets. Elite frequent flyer members, full-fare passengers and those with confirmed seats in first-or business-class need not to panic, their bags fly free. For the rest of us, what was $15 for the first bag is now $25, and $35 for the second checked bag. Delta Airlines remains slightly lower than the rest of the pack with fees upped to $23 for the first bag and $32 for the second bag when prepaid through Delta .com. Otherwise see surcharges added for checking in at the ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside.
If you really must fly heavy, it might be worth buying a premium seat or taking your business to Southwest Airlines, the last great hold out in the bag-checking scheme. You can still fly anywhere on Southwest with two bags and no fees. Similarly, Jet Blue charges only for the second bag ($30). If you check three bags or more on any airline you will pay $20 to $200.
You might want to BYO pillow too, if you are flying on Jetblue ($7 for a sleepset), US Airways ($7) or Virgin America ($12). Other airlines simply no longer carry such treasures. For those flights that still serve food it will cost you $2-$10 depending on whether you settle for pretzels or need something more substantial - like a tuna fish sandwich. And unless you are buying that airline ticket online or with Southwest, prepare to pay $15 to $25 for the privilege of ... well ... paying.
So far, the bathrooms are still gratis and the middle seat seems safe. Bring quarters just in case. |
