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Airlines Hike Baggage Fees, Don't Promise Better Service

'At the end of the day, it's a price increase'

By Joseph S. Enoch
ConsumerAffairs.com

March 11, 2008

United Airlines and US Airways will begin to charge customers $50 round-trip for a second piece of luggage, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Neither airline is promising improved baggage handling as a result of the increased fees. U.S. Airways said it will consider refunding its fees on a case-by-case basis, depending on how long a customer must wait for their lost luggage to be found. United said it will offer no refunds.

Airlines are under intense duress due to concerns about decreased travel during a potential recession. As a result they have taken away many amenities such as on-board meals.

Now they are also raising prices, but at the ticket counter rather than at the time of purchase where websites, such as Expedia.com, allow consumers to choose the cheapest flight among most of the carriers.

“At the end of the day, it's a price increase,” US Airways Chairman and Chief Executive Douglas Parker told The Journal.

Many other airlines have increased their prices for luggage weighing more than 50 pounds and larger than 62 linear inches, the combined measurements of height, length and width.

A third checked bag on Delta Airlines that weighs 71 pounds and is oversized costs $660 round-trip – more than most flights to and from anywhere within the U.S., according to The Journal.

However, some discount airlines have maintained low prices.

Skybus and Spirit Airlines charge $10 per bag, even for the first one, but overall, the prices are much lower and while United charges at least $200 round-trip for an overweight bag, Skybus charges $50.

Air Canada provides a $3 discount to those who do not check luggage, according to The Journal.

United will generate $100 million annually from these increased fees, the airline estimates. U.S. Airways expects to make $75 million.

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