airlines charging for bags

I just heard on the news this morning that certain airlines will now be charging for baggage!

Of course one is Delta, the airline we have already booked for Disney next May. I think it goes into effect in Dec.

I know not all airlines are doing it, but it just annoys me...flights are expensive as it is, and what do they expect us to do...fly with just the clothes on our back?

Vent over...

Re: airlines charging for bags

Actually most airlines these days are charging for bags- (at least the 2nd and AA and several others are charging for the 1st). We lucked out that we booked our tickets back in Jan for our trip in Sept or we would have had to pay to check a second bag. It is ridiculous - most people can't travel with just carryons for a week - esp families - I think the more they start charging the fewer families will be flying.

Delta was the last of the major lines to hold out on charing for the first bag (AA, Cont, NW, UA, USAir, etc - all were charging for the first bag starting a few months ago). I think only a few of the smaller lines (like southwest only charges for 3rd bag) are only charging for 2nd bag now (airtran, jet blue, frontier). I wish they would just up the ticket price by $50 and call it a day. It is going to cost a family of 4 about an extra $120 if they bring one bag each.

Etd to add - if you already booked your ticket you should be EXEMPT of that charge - I know b.c we booked our ticket before the policy the charge was waived for us. Check that out b/c you shouldn't be charged. It goes by the date you bought your ticket

Etd again to add - Delta has a clause in your ticket contract that the fares etc apply at time of FLIGHT not at time of booking which all other lines state - they got a lot of slack for that so they after a lot of arguing they began honoring the rules at time the ticket was bought. Which for you - would be that you will be charged for 2nd bag not the 1st bag

Message edited 11/6/2008 10:28:50 AM.

Re: airlines charging for bags

It doesn't matter when it goes into effet, if you booked before that day, they will have to honor the terms you booked under.

Re: airlines charging for bags

Continental charges $15 per bag. We booked last Sept for our trip last week so we actually were allowed 2 bags per person no charge but it is just ridiculous.

Our friends we traveled with have a 15 month old and only had 3 carry ons for our trip to Disney. I don't know how they did it but they did.

Re: airlines charging for bags

Thank you both for the info...I didn't realize that I would be grandfathered in....

Thanks again

Re: airlines charging for bags

I'm glad we are flying Southwest!

Re: airlines charging for bags

For some peace of mind here is what Delta has on their website:


*For Travel On or After December 5, 2008—Delta and Northwest Baggage Alignment Policy
For travel on or after December 5, 2008, customers flying within the United States will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag, consistent with Northwest’s existing policies.
Customers who purchased Delta tickets on or before Nov. 5, 2008, and who are traveling on or after Dec. 5, 2008, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but will be permitted to check their first bag without charge pursuant to Delta’s previous policy.
All customers flying in First or Business Class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, will receive up to three checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members flying in Coach Class will receive up to two checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free.
All customers traveling in full fare (Y) Coach Class, as well as customers traveling internationally will receive up to two checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, for free.
U.S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders will continue to be able to check up to 10 pieces of luggage on Delta- and Northwest-operated flights only.

Re: airlines charging for bags

Re: airlines charging for bags