American Airlines raises checked bag fees ($5 increase per bag)

[Amerigo Vespucci]

American Airlines raises checked bag fees
Passengers to pay $25 for first piece of luggage, $35 for second bag

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34935146/ns/travel-news/

FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines is raising its fees on checked bags for passengers buying tickets starting Feb. 1.

The company said it is raising the charge for the first checked bag to $25 from $20 on flights in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The fees apply to passengers on the company's American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection flights.

A second checked bag will cost $35, up from $30. Select passengers, including first- and business-class travelers and members of the armed services, will remain exempt from checked bag fees.

The move comes nearly a week after Delta, the world's biggest airline, announced it would hike fees to check a first bag on domestic flights by $8 (to $23) and the second bag by $7 (to $32).

It will continue to cost you even more if you don't pay the fees in advance on the airline's Web site. Delta is calling that add-on a surcharge — $2 for the first bag and $3 for the second. You will have to pay the surcharges if you check your bags at an airport ticket counter, kiosk or curbside.

[ThatsMyBarack]

1. Nickel & dime, nickel & dime, nickel & dime....

For what? :wtf:

[peace13]

2. Time to upgrade my wardrobe.

Most trips my clothes are worth $35!

[Statistical]

3. I wish they would stop this crap.

If they need to charge more for a ticket just charge more.

Don't sell a $150 ticket then hide a bunch of fees totally another $100. Just sell a damn $250 ticket.

[raccoon]

5. +1. nt

[high density]

8. That's why I flew Jet Blue the last time I had to fly

The base fare was slightly more expensive, but after fees it was absolutely competitive. Considering their leg room and live TV it was a blowout value compared to the legacy carriers.

[frazzled]

4. Infuriating, and discriminatory

For a couple (not to mention a family with young children) wishing or needing to check their bags, they will pay an extra $100 round trip. Older passengers often need to check their bags, because schlepping them through the airport and having to heave them into overhead bins is simply physically too strenuous. A mother traveling with an infant and toddler cannot carry bags aboard because her hands are already too full with children and a car seat required for a small child seated alone (not to mention the folding stroller and diaper bag). This, to me, is discriminatory.

We've started traveling differently: each carrying a small rollaboard instead of packing together in a medium suitcase and checking it. It means never being able to pack a liquid over 3 oz. or never bringing that wonderful bottle of wine back from the Russian River. So be it. I refuse to pay for a necessity of moving from one place to another: you can't travel without carrying baggage.

Why do we sheepishly accept each of these fees but squawk like plucked chickens at the mention of the slightest tax increase from the government?

[ixion]

6. Eventually, people will get smart and stop flying

and then they can charge all they want.

Personally, I don't fly anymore unless it's absolutely unavoidable.

[dipsydoodle]

7. Hopefully.

.

[oregonjen]

9. My husband recently took a business trip to BC and on his return trip

at the Vancouver airport, he was required to check in his roller bag. He hates checking in baggage and chooses to use the overhead bin. This time around, he was forced to check it in because of new security rules, then they were going to charge him $15 for it. The rules had changed and he was the one who had to pay. The clerk decided to waive the fee, but can you imagine all the passengers who willingly went along with it? Those who had no intention of checking in bags and being forced to, and then pay a fee on top of that?

[footinmouth]

10. I'd rather buy new stuff

The fees are ridiculous. We've already decided we'll pack lightly and buy whatever we need when we get there. Whatever won't fit for the trip back home will be donated to the needy. Sounds like a better use of our funds.

[ixion]

11. also keep in mind shipping your stuff via UPS, etc

I did that for a recent camping trip. I've got friends coming down who are doing the same. That way, you don't have to a) cart it around the airport; and b) deal with the airlines ridiculous fees.

[Johonny]

12. It's to the point

it was cheaper to ship my stuff home for Christmas then to fly home with them. It also saves on the hassle of checking your bag at the understaffed airport check in.