Airline Checked Baggage Fee, Oversized Baggage Fee, and More

Airlines Up The Fees For Checked Bags For Both USA & International Travel

This past week or so we saw a new virus take off in the airline industry called the baggage flew.

We now have five major U.S.

airlines charging a $50 to $55 to check your second bag to Europe.

We have seen airlines such as Virgin, Delta, Northwest, and US Airways increase their first and second checked bag fees.

US Airways take the honor of the highest checked second bag fee if you do not pre pay online. For example, if you are checking two bags at check in, and you did not pre pay, you will pay $120 roundtrip. Worse yet pay for it at curbside and you get dinged for another 2 bucks per bag or $128 roundtrip for two bags.

What is so amazing about these new fees is that last week US Airways had a $78 roundtrip airfare between Charlotte and Atlanta for $98 with all taxes included. If you would have checked to bags weighing less than 50 lbs. a apiece you would have to pay more to check your bags than the plane ticket itself.

The cost of travel is no longer the cost of the airline ticket, but all the extra a-la-cart you may have to pay for. $150 change fee, $128 to check two bags. Don't' you dare check three bags, or a bag over 50 lbs if you do you will have to refinance your home just to cover the fees.

A special note for a California surfing beach bum who wants to take their surfboard to Paris or another European destination. Fly on Delta or Northwest and they will charge you $300 each way or $600 roundtrip. Our suggestion is to keep the board at home and take your favorite beach towel blanket instead.

Delta announced their new 2nd checked bag fees in April 2009, shortly after on August 21 Northwest, American, and US Airways followed suit. Not even 24 hours later Continental jumped on board too. Currently US Airways is the only airline charging for the 2nd bag system wide anywhere they fly to other than San Juan and the US Virgin Islands.

To see what the major airlines are charging for other fees including making reservations by phone, priority seating and meals/drinks, please click here. To see our international baggage fees please, click here.

Passengers who purchase full fare unrestricted coach, business class or first class tickets can also check two or three bags for free and sometimes they can weigh up to 70 lbs. without a charge. Military passengers flying on active duty orders may also still check two bags for free and may not have to adhere to weight and size requirements.

If you are an elite member of a frequent flyer program on one of the major airlines, you may still be able to check two bags for free on that carrier. Some airlines also allow passengers who are listed under the same reservation as an elite member to check up to two bags for free. Be sure to check the contract of carriage for your airline for their policies. It's always best to contact your airline or check the contract of carriage on their website for any last-minute changes.

We are finding that the biggest fees come from the 3rd or more checked bag that is overweight and oversize. Some airlines will charge you all three fees if your baggage does not meet their requirements. If we had to rank the airline with the more friendly fees, Southwest Airlines wins hands down. Please note that fees and policies are subject to change at any time. We recommend that you check with your carrier prior to travel to calculate the fees and to measure, and weight your luggage so there are no surprises upon checking in.

Please note that most airlines are changing their check in policies to allow pre payment of checked baggage. They are giving you a break on the price if you pre pay online, usually lowering the price by $5 per bag. If you do not prepay on these select airlines you will be charged a surcharge at the time of check in at the ticket counter or kiosk.

Here are the latest fees as of August 27, 2009 for USA travel.

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