Led by US (I’ve never seen a fee I don’t like) Airways who hiked luggage fees late last year, baggage fees are taking off again as Delta and Continental join in the money grab. Even with Southwest showing that a no baggage fee policy is good business, the legacy airlines are marching into the world of increased fees and less passengers. It won’t take legacy airline passengers too long to catch on to this disguised fare hike.
The higher fees take effect January 12 for Delta passengers who booked flights January 5 or later and are checking bags on domestic flights. Those who pay the baggage fees when they check in online, the fees will be $23 for the first checked bag and $32 for the second checked bag. Those who pay the baggage fees at the airport ticket counter, kiosk or curbside will pay $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second.
Continental has followed their compatriots, Delta and USAirways, with the exact same fees. There are four more days of grace. The increase on Continental applies to passengers who purchased tickets on or after January 9 for travel on or after January 16.
I expect American Airlines and United Airlines to up their baggage fees in the near future.
With these new fees and the differences between the amount due when paying online and when paying at the airport, airline pricing is getting even more confusing for consumers.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
