For the past several weeks I have been detailing the new baggage fees being assessed by select airlines. The information is readily available through the individual carriers and has made headlines from coast to coast, yet there are many summer travelers out there who find sifting through the new rules as nerve racking as a turbulent flight.
If you find yourself asking: Is the $15 fee for the first checked bag or the second… Do you still have to pay the fee if you bought your ticket before the new rule went into place… What airlines are currently assessing the fees… then here’s some information that might help set the record straight:
Who’s Charging?
As of today American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways are the only major carriers charging passengers $15 to check in a single piece of luggage.
Effective When?
American Airlines—-Customers who bought tickets after Sunday, June 15th will be charged a $15 fee for a first checked bag.
United Airlines—-Customers who bought tickets after June 13th will be assessed a $15 fee for a single checked bag.
US Airways—-Customers who buy tickets after July 9th will have to pay $15 to check in one bag.
If you purchased your ticket before the new policies officially go into effect, you will not be charged the $15 fee. For example, American Airlines’ website says: Travelers who purchased domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008, but before June 15, 2008, may still check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Meanwhile, customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag.
Carry Ons
According to American Airlines and United Airlines, each passenger is still allowed to carry on one personal item, such as purse, briefcase or laptop computer, and one bag no larger than 45 linear inches. (That number is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag: length + width + height.) Also, each carry on bag cannot weigh more than 40 pounds. US Airways policy says that passengers are allowed to take a personal item and a carry-on bag that can be no more than 51 linear inches.
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