Fees

Irritated by those new $25 baggage check fees?

May 6, 2008Harriet BaskasBaggage, Fees, Free Stuff

Yesterday, May 5^th, United, Continental, Delta, Northwest and US Airways began charging non-exempt passengers $25 for checking a second bag. Soon it will also cost extra to check a second bag on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, Air Tran, and JetBlue.

Want that money back?

The Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Group has announced a “We Got Your Bag” promotion. Stay at one of the company’s 43 hotels in the U.S. and Canada between May 22 and Sept 9; show proof of having paid an extra baggage charge; and get a room credit of up to $25.

For rules and details see: www.kimptonhotels.com

As of today, you’ll pay $25 to check a second bag at the airport

May 5, 2008Harriet BaskasBaggage, Check-In, Fees

Starting today, May 5th, non-exempt travelers flying on Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways must pay $25 to check a second piece of luggage. American Airlines will begin charging that same $25 on May 12. Air Tran jumps in with a $10 second-bag fee on May 15^th. And, just in time for summer travel, passengers on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will start paying that $25 fee on July 1^st.

One bit of good news: As of today, United Airlines will waive that second bag fee for passengers who pay to check luggage at remote baggage check-in sites such as hotel lobbies, convention centers and cruise ships.

No word yet on how long the airline will be doing that, but so far it is the only airline to do so.

Curbside check-in: confusing and costly

April 18, 2008Harriet BaskasCheck-In, Fees

If you like to check your bags curbside at the airport, be sure to pack some extra cash.

One by one, airlines are adding fees for this once-complimentary service.

United Airlines, American Airlines and US Airways, for example, currently charge $2 for each bag dropped off at the curb. On April 15th, Delta Airlines began charging $3 per bag. And that doesn’t include the (expected) tip for the skycaps.

Come May 5^th, when many airlines begin charging an extra $25 fee for checking a second bag, things will get more costly and confusing out at the curb.

In my Well-Mannered Traveler column on MSNBC.com this week, I write about a frustrating experience trying to pin down airline reservation agents on payment options out at the curb. Should I bring cash, credit cards or a personal check? No one seems to know.