Before you check that second bag full of chips and stuff for your trip to the convention next month, be aware of these changes in charges for a second bag on some airlines. In a few cases, it may be less expensive to book in full economy class, rather than a cheaper discounted fare, but in any case, you should be aware of the policy changes.
Beginning this month and with some exceptions, Air Canada, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways will assess a $25 charge when passengers check a second bag on domestic flights (US Airways' fee will apply to international flights as well). This fee applies to each leg of travel, so customers will pay $50 on a second checked bag for roundtrip flights.
Air Canada's new charge will affect customers who purchase Tango or Tango Plus tickets on or after May 15, 2008 for flights departing on or after July 15, 2008. The $25 fee for a second checked bag will apply to flights within Canada, and between Canada and the United States. Economy class customers who purchase Latitude fares, Executive Class customers, as well as Air Canada Elite, Super Elite and Prestige members and Star Alliance Gold and Silver members are exempt from the fee, and will be allowed to check two to four pieces of luggage, depending on their membership level and the class of service booked, at no charge.
American Airlines will charge $25 for a second checked bag for flights booked on or after May 12, 2008 to destinations within the US and to Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The following types of passengers are exempt from this fee and may check up to two bags at no cost: full-fare economy class, first class, business class, customers traveling on government or military fares, military passengers on active duty, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum or Gold members and their companions on the same reservation, oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members and their companions on the same reservation, and those traveling on AAnytime Economy, First or Business Class AAdvantage award tickets.
Continental's new charge affects customers who purchased nonrefundable economy tickets on or after April 5, 2008, for flights departing on or after May 5, 2008 and applies to all domestic flights, plus travel to Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Coach customers booked in the "Y class" of service, OnePass Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, Elite-for-a-Day customers, on-duty active military personnel, first class and BusinessFirst customers are exempt from this charge, and will be allowed to check a second bag for free.
Delta will charge $25 for a second checked bag for passengers traveling on or after May 1st on domestic flights, including travel within the United States and to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. First class and Business Elite passengers will be allowed to check up to three bags at no additional charge on Delta and Delta Connection-operated flights only.
Northwest's new policy is applicable to nonrefundable, domestic economy tickets purchased on or after March 29, 2008, for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Northwest defines domestic travel as within the U.S. and to or from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Northwest Airlines' Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers and passengers booked in Full Fare classes may still check two bags free of charge, and first class passengers may check up to three bags without charge.
United Airlines will charge $50 round-trip ($25 per leg) for checking a second piece of luggage on tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for flights departing on or after May 5, 2008 and traveling within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. The following types of passengers are exempt from this fee and may check up to two bags at no cost: first class, business class, First Award, Business Award, Mileage Plus Premier, Mileage Plus Premier Associate, Star Alliance Silver Members, Mileage Plus Global Services, Mileage Plus 1K, Mileage Plus Premier Executive, Star Alliance Gold Members and military personnel with orders.
Also on May 5, US Airways will begin charging those who booked on or after February 26 a $50 round-trip fee ($25 per leg) for checking a second piece of luggage. US Airways will apply this fee for domestic and some international travel. Dividend Miles Preferred members, passengers traveling to and from Europe or Asia, first class and Envoy passengers, Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors and passengers checking personal assistance devices (such as a wheelchair) are exempt from these charges.
