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Airlines revise baggage fees due to fuel crisis

The Washington Post

July 27, 2008

United Airlines started it all back in March, announcing that it would charge $15 for a second checked bag on domestic flights. From there, the trend escalated - airlines' way of managing jet-fuel prices.

Now, some carriers charge passengers for all checked luggage, and many have raised their overweight and oversize fees. Even bags that are allowed free of charge must, in most cases, weigh 50 pounds or less, and the sum of a bag's length, width and height must be 62 inches or less. To prevent passengers from dragging big bags into the cabin, some airlines are becoming more vigilant about carry-ons as well.

Below are the fees that some major carriers charge for oversize and overweight baggage, as well as new checked-bag fees and size limits for carry-ons.

AirTran

Checked bag fees: First, free; second, $10 online, $20 at airport; third, $50.

Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $29; 71-100 pounds, $69.

Oversize bag fees: 62-70 inches, $29; 71-80 inches, $69.

Carry-on limit: 55 inches.

American

Checked bag fees: First, $15; second, $25; third to fifth, $100 each; sixth, $200.

Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50. 71-100 pounds, $100.

Oversize bag fees: 63-115 inches, $150.

Carry-on limit: 45 inches and 40 pounds.

Continental

Checked bag fees: First, free; second, $25; third, $100.

Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50.

Oversize bag fees: 63-115 inches, $100.

Carry-on limit: 51 inches and 40 pounds.

Delta

Checked bag fees: (Domestic) First, free; second, $25; third to 10th, $80 to $180 each.