From Tom Parsons - When It Comes To Baggage, Watch Your Weight And Size
May-02-2014

Back in 2008, when checked bag fees were initiated, many passengers were bringing carry-ons to avoid the fee and it was a real roller bag derby.

Today more people seem to accept baggage fees as part of the price of the ticket and are willing to pay for one bag, but overhead space can still be tight. While domestic checked bag fees have remained steady at $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag on most airlines, many of the fees for extra bags, overweight bags and oversize bags continue to rise.

The overweight fee is now $100 for a bag weighing 51-70 pounds on American, US Airways, Delta and United. If you have a 55 pound bag, that extra five pounds could cost $100, so unpack a few heavy items like shoes, or bring a second bag because it can be far cheaper to check two bags instead of one. You can buy a scale especially designed for the traveler to weigh your luggage, but I suggest using a bathroom scale. Oversize luggage can be very expensive and if your bag is over 62 linear inches (height, plus length, plus width) you will have to pay $200 on American, Delta, United and US Airways. The overweight and oversize fees are in addition to your checked bag fees and if your bag is overweight and oversize, you have to pay both of those fees, plus the checked bag fee.

You could pay $325 just for one checked bag and for that price, you'd be wiser to go buy a smaller suitcase. Keep in mind that you'll pay if the bag is over 62 linear inches and the maximum size you can bring is 80 linear inches on most airlines.

A third checked bag will cost you $125 each way on Delta and $150 on American and US Airways and bag four or higher will cost $200 each on those airlines. The third bag or higher is $75 each on Alaska and Southwest and $125 each on United. If you want to bring a lot of luggage with you, you'll want to book on select airlines that have less expensive fees, like Virgin America who charges $25 per bag, up to 10 bags.


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Posted by Ken at 6:49 PM - Link to this entry  |  Share this entry  |  Print