US Airways raises checked-bag fee
Posted
Apr 27 2009, 12:37 PM
by
Kim Peterson
Rating:
US Airways (LCC) is upping its fees for checked bags -- again. And this time it's a bit more confusing.
Starting in July, the airline wants travelers to prepay checked bag fees online when checking in. If you do that, you'll pay $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second.
If you don't prepay online, it'll cost you a $5 "service fee." When you get to the airport, checking in bags will cost $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second. So, if you don't have a computer -- or can't access one -- get ready to pay.
The airline told employees the new fee was part of a broader move to more self-service features, which will save it time and money, according to The Arizona Republic. Only one quarter of US Airways' passengers currently use online check-in.
Remember, this is the airline that tried to charge customers $2 for sodas and coffee. Seven months later, it reversed the policy and returned to giving out those drinks for free.
Alaska Air (ALK) will soon be charging for checked bags as well. The airline announced a $15 checked bag fee starting July 7.
The industry is waiting for Southwest Airlines (LUV) to join the checked-bag-fee crowd, but that doesn't look like it's happening anytime soon. In a recent earnings call, chief executive Gary Kelly said the airline's no-fee policy is boosting demand.
Image credit: JEXP, GNU free documentation license
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