“Carriers raking in billions in baggage, other passenger add-ons”

Carriers raking in billions in baggage, other passenger add-ons

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 09:51 AM PST

by Dawn Gilbertson - Dec. 6, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

As you're packing for holiday flights, here's all the incentive you need to keep those extra boots and sweaters out of your luggage: Airlines' overweight-bag fees are as high as $175. And that's on top of the fee to simply check the bag.

Major airlines began the fee parade in earnest in 2008, when fuel prices were soaring. They picked up the pace during the deep recession, and airlines now say there's no turning back. No wonder: Fees are helping the always-struggling industry make money.

In the first six months this year, U.S. airlines collected nearly $1.7 billion in baggage fees, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Airlines took in an additional $1.1 billion from fees to change a reservation after purchase.

Both figures are all the more stunning when you consider that Southwest Airlines, which carries more domestic passengers than any airline, doesn't charge for the first two bags or levy a change fee.

Airlines also are pitching new money-makers, such as charging for extra legroom and priority boarding. Southwest says its Early Bird Check-In option, which costs $10 each way and gives passengers a better pick of seats, has been a big hit. The Dallas-based airline famously doesn't assign seats.

Fees aren't easy to detect on most airlines' websites, and they often change on short notice. Tempe-based US Airways, the busiest carrier at Sky Harbor International Airport, recently added a handy summary page to its website.

There's one bright spot on the fee front this holiday season, though it won't help the majority of Phoenix fliers. Delta, AirTran Airways and Virgin America are offering free in-flight Wi-Fi, courtesy of Google.

Here is a guide to airline fees. The charges apply to domestic flights and are for each way, except for reservation fees and change fees.

For details on other fees, check airline websites or fee guides at kayak.com, smartertravel.com, fare compare.com and other travel sites.

US Airways
Reservations: $25 over phone, $35 at airport, free at usairways.com.
Checked bags*: $25 for first, $35 for second, $100 for third.
Overweight bags: $50 for 51-70 pounds, $100 for 71-100 pounds.
Reservation changes: $150 plus fare difference.
Priority seating/boarding: $5-$35 for Choice Seats.
Unaccompanied minor: $100.
Pets in cabin: $100.

Southwest
Reservations: Free.
Checked bags: Free for two, $50 for each additional.
Overweight bags: $50 for 51-100 pounds.
Reservation changes: Free; traveler must pay fare difference.
Priority seating/boarding: $10 for Early Bird Check-In.
Unaccompanied minor: $50.
Pets in cabin: $75.

Delta
Reservations: $20-$35 over phone or at airport, free at delta.com.
Checked bags: $23-$25 for first, $32-$35 for second, $125 for third.
Overweight bags: $90 for 51-70 pounds, $175 for 71-100 pounds.
Reservation changes: $150-$200 plus fare difference.
Priority seating/boarding: Not available.
Unaccompanied minor: $100.
Pets in cabin: $125.

United
Reservations: $25 over phone, $30 at airport, free at united.com.
Checked bags: $25 for first, $35 for second, $100 for third.
Overweight bags: $100 for 51-100 pounds.
Reservation changes: $150-$175.
Priority seating/boarding: $9 and up for Economy Plus extra legroom, $9 and up for Priority Boarding.
Unaccompanied minor: $99.
Pets in cabin: $125.

Continental
Reservations: $25 over phone or at a ticket office, $30 at airport, free at continental.com.
Checked bags: $23-$25 for first, $32-$35 for second, $100 for third.
Overweight bags: $50 for 51-70 pounds. Bags more than 70 pounds not accepted.
Reservation changes: $150-$175.
Priority seating/boarding: Prices for extra legroom vary.
Unaccompanied minor: $100.
Pets in cabin: $125.

American
Reservations: $20 over phone, $30 at airport, free at aa.com.
Checked bags: $25 for first, $35 for second, $100 for third.
Overweight bags: $60 for 51-70 pounds, $100 for 71-100 pounds.
Reservation changes: $150 plus fare difference.
Priority seating/boarding: $19-$39 for Express Seats, $10 for Priority Boarding; $9-$19 for Your Choice packages, which include Priority Boarding and other perks.
Unaccompanied minor: $100.
Pets in cabin: $100.

*Baggage fees apply to domestic flights. Consult your airline for international charges.

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