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US Airways increases baggage fees
Here we go again. On the heels of greatly improved profits, US Airways has announced an increase of up to 80% on the charge for overweight bags.In addition to the base price for checked bags of $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second, the additional fees for overweight bags are increasing. Overweight bags that weigh between 50 and 70 pounds will see the price increase from $50 to $90. Supersized bags that weigh more than 70 pounds will go from $100 to a whopping $175.
Will other airlines follow US Air's lead? Probably. In January 2010, Continental matched Delta's baggage fee increase and American matched United's fees signaling a green light for others to follow.
At the time, travel expert Arthur Frommer noted "Any hope that the big airlines might move more gently in adopting such fees has been lost". Looks like he was right.
Increases in baggage fees might not be all air travelers have to worry about on luggage either. The FAA, burdened by reduced demand for air travel since 9-11 expects an estimated $25 billion decline in revenue over the next six years according to a government report released last week.
MarketWatch.com reports "Revenues declined early in the decade because of a series of largely unforeseen events, including the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, that reduced the demand for air travel, resulting in a steep decline in airline industry revenue," wrote Gerald Dillingham, the director of civil aviation studies at the GAO.
The new US Air fees go into effect, and it says this on their website, "if you bought a ticket on or after February 1 for travel on or after March 1, 2011. They may want to take another look at that policy and/or ask cruise lines about the wisdom of making a retroactive service fee.
Six cruise lines ended up having to refund $40 million in fuel surcharge fees charged to cruise passengers after they had booked their cruises. I'm not offering legal advice here but anyone who booked between February 1st and 9th might have a case.
Regardless, it's probably time to take another good long look at packing light.
Flickr photo by Deanster1983
The new US Air fees go into effect, and it says this on their website, "if you bought a ticket on or after February 1 for travel on or after March 1, 2011. They may want to take another look at that policy and/or ask cruise lines about the wisdom of making a retroactive service fee.
Six cruise lines ended up having to refund $40 million in fuel surcharge fees charged to cruise passengers after they had booked their cruises. I'm not offering legal advice here but anyone who booked between February 1st and 9th might have a case.
Regardless, it's probably time to take another good long look at packing light.
Flickr photo by Deanster1983
Filed under: Business, Europe, North America, United States, Airlines, Airports, News, Consumer Activism
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Flagrante Delicto Feb 10th 2011 6:58PM
US scare is on my no-fly-list.
FYI - Continental is no more. Bob Six is spinning in the grave fast that an N1 at cruise.
Sam Jones Mar 9th 2011 1:11AM
In general, Canada airline will accept up to two pieces of checked luggage bags with a maximum weight of 40 pounds per bag and a maximum outside dimension of 55 inches per bag. You will incur separate fees for exceeding size, weight, and quantity limitations of any airline. There are total three types of fees charged by any airline i.e. for the extra bag, for exceeding the weight limit, and for going over the size restriction. As you are traveling in two different airlines, there may be differences in the size of luggage permitted by their rules. I would suggest go for an Eagle Creek series wheeled bag that is specifically designed for international travelers and you will accommodate all travel related things in it without paying any additional fees.