Airlines Want You to Pack Less — or Pay More

Feb. 19, 2008 -- A growing number of fliers are finding there's a price to pay for checking bags.Airlines are charging for bags that once were free to check and raising prices for fliers with lots of luggage, overweight bags and oversized bags.

In May, United Airlines will become the first of the big traditional U.S. carriers to switch from two free checked bags to one. Last month, Southwest Airlines and ATA Airlines switched from three free checked bags to two.

"As they look for ways to boost profitability, we'll see more airlines … charging for items that were previously included in the cost of a ticket," says Kevin Maguire, president of the National Business Travel Association, which represents about 2,500 travel managers and suppliers.

Most airlines allow two free checked bags. Spirit Airlines, the Florida-based discounter, is an exception, charging for every checked bag. Beginning Wednesday, Spirit will boost its prices from $5 to $10 per checked bag for fliers paying in advance online and from $10 to $20 per bag for fliers paying at an airport.

Also starting Wednesday, Spirit will start charging more for overweight bags.

Those from 51 pounds to 70 pounds carry an extra $25 charge. Spirit has been the only carrier without an overweight charge for bags in that weight range.

For bags weighing 71 to 99 pounds, Spirit will start charging $100, up from the current $50.

"Instead of raising every fare in response to ever increasing fuel prices, our new luggage policy gives passengers the opportunity to control their cost of travel by packing lighter," says Barry Biffle, Spirit's senior vice president.

Beginning May 5, United will charge passengers with non-refundable tickets on domestic flights $25 for a second checked bag and $100 per bag for a third, fourth and fifth checked bag. United now charges $85 for a third checked bag, the highest rate of any airline.

Not all United fliers will pay for a second bag. Passengers flying in first or business class and those who have elite status in United's frequent-flier program or its Star Alliance partner program will not be charged.