Important US Airways Baggage restriction announced

[P.MorelosFrank]

I received the following from US Airways today,
Today, US Airways announced a change to our baggage policy. Beginning May 5, 2008, we’ll charge $25 for a second checked bag. The new fee applies to travel on or after May 5 for tickets purchased on or after February 26, 2008.
We’re making these changes to offset record fuel prices and rising airline related expenses. We simply must make changes to the way we do business to provide all of you with the high level of service that you’ve come to expect from US Airways. Also, we’re doing all we can to keep fares low. With this policy change, we’re able to give you the choice to avoid the fee and pack fewer items. With fewer bags to process, we save both money and fuel and can pass that savings on to you.
Dividend Miles Preferred members are exempt from the fee, and we’re also waiving the fee for:
Confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers
Passengers with Star Alliance Silver or Gold status
Active military personnel in uniform and with ID
Unaccompanied minors
Passengers checking personal assistive devices

[Susie Q Roo]

the high level of service that you’ve come to expect from US Airways

Based on "what I've come to expect from US Airways" this is certainly no surprise.

Unfortunately, with Rick's family in Charlotte, we often have no other choice.

[Maverick69]

Sounds like nothing more than a money grab to me.

[Babaloo]

I believe, like United, it is a policy for domestic flights only - not international

[Maverick69]

At least that's what you are hoping.

[FrankRN]

My very favorite place on earth to be is next in line at the counter behind a large family that has overweight bags and they do not want to pay the $25 fee. It is especially fun when it happens on the return trip and all of their clothes are nasty.There have been times I have been tempted to pay the fee for them. The time I have to spend waiting is worth more to me than the $25 fee.

Are all of these fees really neccesary. And does it really help to keep prices down, or is it just another way to increase profit while presenting the appearance of low ticket prices.

Rhetorical questions all.

[Shammy]

Increase profit? They have to first make a profit to be able to increase it! Many airlines are losing money due to high jet fuel costs, and they can only set ticket prices so high. Charging extra for overweight bags, or checked baggage is how they stay in the air!

[Susie Q Roo]

I have some questions on this.

I just noticed that this has been picked up by 5 of the major airlines (Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and US Air) - not sure how I missed that earlier. So now it affects me as I'm coming back from Ohio in mid May. But... I won't have a charge on the way out of Cancun this week, just the way back, is that correct? Or by some lucky stretch of imagination does it not apply on an entire itinerary if it doesn't apply on all segments? And are there higher charges for international destinations as well? And I'm flying on my Delta FF miles, but they've put me on Continental and Northwest flights... are their rules all the same and, if not, whose apply?

Guess I better go do some heavy readiing on all 3 airlines' sites.

[maya]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

I believe, like United, it is a policy for domestic flights only - not international

nope-usair is both domestic and international

Delta-domestic only

not sure about the others

[FrankRN]

Shammy ~ it is difficult to miss the financial problems that the airlines have been having for a very long time. How many airlines have we seen gobbled up by other companies or fold altogether.

I hear what your saying about staying in the air ... but surely it is time that they start taking a look at their business model. Other airlines are turning a modest profit existing in the same climate as those hemorraging tens of millions of dollars per quarter. And these arilines are in many cases cheaper to fly with ... without nickle and diming customers.

And to top it all off, service has become nothing short of dismal.

[pulque]

Some airlines, (Southwest for example) are still flush due to the fact they they had the foresight to buy avgas several years ago and are now operating at those avgas prices.

[Doggiemom]

Continental does NOT charge the $25 fee for international flights (Mexico).
Frank, some of these fees are necessary......the heavier an aircraft is the MORE fuel they will burn. As we ALL know fuel prices are now killing the airlines. Price per gallon of Jet-A (jet fuel) is up 70% since last year! There is no profit right now unless of course airfares are raised, say...70% from last year.

[LEAP]

We always do our best to travel light. If we do add extra luggage, I would much rather pay the extra fee than have prices across the board increase. We always seem to get behind some family who has way too much luggage. If you need to take that much, just pay the fee and move on!

[P.MorelosFrank]

DoggieMom..I wasn't complaining about the increase, just reporting it so that others would be aware and plan accordingly.

[P.MorelosFrank]

Oops, nevermind, wrong Frank...lol