Remote baggage check-in services cost extra, but come with extras

— -- When it comes to the shifting rules of air travel, it can take a surprisingly long time for word to get around.

It's still not unusual, for example, for an airport security line to be held up by someone claiming they are shocked, appalled or simply mystified to discover that they can no longer take full bottles of water, shampoo, perfume or alcohol through the checkpoint in a carry-on bag.

So it's a fair bet that, for the foreseeable future, there are going to be longer-than-usual lines at curbside check-in kiosks and lobby ticket counters as travelers, airline personnel, and skycaps get accustomed to the new fees most airlines are now charging for checking more than one bag.

New fees for checking a second bag

On Monday five major airlines officially began charging non-exempt coach passengers an extra fee to check a second bag.

Blaming it on the need to offset rising fuel costs, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways now charge $25 to check a second piece of luggage. American Airlines will join that group on May 12. Air Tran will levy a $10 fee for checking a second bag beginning on May 15. And, come July 1, passengers on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will also have to pay $25 to check a second bag.

Most airlines will be waiving the new fees for elite members of their frequent flier programs and for passengers who purchase full-fare, business, first class and international tickets. But coach passengers flying on the lowest fares will need to pack light or pony up.

And everyone will have to stand in line while skycaps and ticket agents inform travelers of the new fees, sort out the amount due and process the payments.

Want to avoid the long lines and, perhaps, the extra fees?

You have a few workaround options: You can travel with just a carry-on bag or pay dearly to send your luggage separately via FedEx, UPS or a specialty luggage-shipping service. Or you can pay a smaller fee of between $5 and $20 on top of the second bag fee and check-in your bags someplace other than the airport.