Given both my vacation addiction and my love of saving money, I raised an eyebrow when I heard that both United as well as US Air are now charging for the first checked bag on their flights. I avoid flying legacy carriers when I can (when I flew American in January, it was the first time I’d flown a legacy carrier since my flight to Mexico in 04. I’m very, very much a JetBlue girl (although Southwest’s schedule has encouraged me to book them a couple if times). While I understand that the US airline industry needs to change, I think the decision to charge for checking the first bag is a poor decision. I think it has generated a lot of negative publicity towards American, US Air and United that will affect people’s choices. I think that had they just raised rates $15, people wouldn’t be so flustered. I hate to say it, but I’m glad my upcoming flights are on Southwest and Jet Blue.
More baggage fees…
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This is an interesting thing to do, as you so rightly say, people would not notice so much if they had increased the main cost by $15. I do wonder, though if they have done it because it is a ‘hidden charge’ in the sens ethat when you are comparing flight costs, for example online, this baggage cost will probably not be included so it will make the flight seem cheaper than it is likley to end up being.
Agreed, Rachel. I do wonder; however, if the fees will make the casual consumer not check their rates.