Airline price hikes are everywhere, among them US Airways bumping up its first and second checked baggage fees by $5 each.
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It’s $5 cheaper if you do the check in online but you are going to pay more either way, starting for all flights, “writes ChattahBox.com.
US Airways and Continental are also matching a $50 second checked bag fee on its trans-Atlantic flights, a charge recently introduced by American Airlines.
Delta charges $90 one-way for an overweight bag on a domestic flight, versus $50 at most major carriers, including US Airways. United tops the major airlines at $125.
The carriers will exempt top-tier frequent fliers, first-class passengers, and active-duty military personnel from the fees.
“Airlines cite volatile fuel costs and falling demand due to the recession for these increasing fees but I think they may be overlooking the likely consumer backlash,” said the site.
But wait a minute.
Air passengers are learning to cope with increases in “stealth fare” increases as a host of airlines, including American and British Airways, charge more, said Domain-B.com.
It is estimated that additional charges are likely to hit holidaymakers particularly hard as they typically carry more luggage and are also more likely to fly economy.
While air passenger associations are charging airlines with scalping passengers, airlines are pleading that they need to generate revenue in unprecedented economic times. But consumers are adapting by traveling lighter, experts say.
By David Wilkening
