US Airways Increases Checked Baggage Fees
Monday, September 7th, 2009
Even though the economy seems to be improving in small increments, the airline industry is still showing slow signs of recovery and turning to as many revenue streams as possible to counteract the reduced demand for travel. US Airways is taking action by increasing its checked baggage fees for trans-Atlantic flights, adding an extra $5 for first and second checked bags on domestic flights, and an additional fee for the second checked bag on any trans-Atlantic flights.Baggage fees for US Airways now stand at $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second bag when the bags are checked online. Online baggage checking is encouraged, as this can speed up the check-in process at the airport and helps the passenger get through the gate to their flight in a timely manner. Some passengers who are part of the US Airways frequent flier program, all first-class passengers, active-duty military personnel, unaccompanied minors, and passengers traveling to or from the Middle East are exempt from first and second checked baggage fees.
The increased baggage fees also mean that a second checked bag on trans-Atlantic flights will cost $50 per bag. This extra charge is following the trend in other airlines such as American Airlines which has recently introduced higher fees for all trans-Atlantic passengers. For three or more checked bags, passengers will still need to pay the $100 fee.
US Airways permits passengers to begin checking in their bags 24 hours before and up to 60 minutes before their departure. The new fee schedules for checked baggage is applicable to all tickets purchased on or after August 26, 2009 for travel on or after October 7, 2009. Passengers who wish to check in their baggage at the airport will need to pay an extra $5 over the online price for both their first and second checked bag.
Each passenger is still permitted to take one carry-on bag and one personal item on board at no extra charge.
Image via