How Long Can Airline Bag Fees Carry On?

MaFe says on Aug 5, 2008, 08:58:

This is absurd! Everyone can complain here...

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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august says on Aug 5, 2008, 08:59:

A long time, I´m guessing. Seems to be the trend, airlines breaking everything down into "optional" fees to cut costs. Luggage, in-flight snacks, and now I see that JetBlue is, or is going to be, charging for blankets and pillows. Tempting to go back to horses and sailboats one of these days.

Alternatively it seems we can subvert their ways by bringing two rolling carry-ons. Maybe there´s something in that.

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MaFe says on Aug 5, 2008, 09:10:

Actually...here are some more airlines joining forces;
http://www.newsday.com/travel/ny-a2col5774698jul27,0,2726987.story


AirTran
Checked bag fees: First, free; second, $10 online, $20 at airport; third, $50.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $29; 71-100 pounds, $69.
Oversize bag fees: 62-70 inches, $29; 71-80 inches, $69.
Carry-on limit: 55 inches.

American
Checked bag fees: First, $15; second, $25; third to fifth, $100 each; sixth, $200.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50. 71-100 pounds, $100.
Oversize bag fees: 63-115 inches, $150.
Carry-on limit: 45 inches and 40 pounds.

Continental
Checked bag fees: First, free; second, $25; third, $100.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50.
Oversize bag fees: 63-115 inches, $100.
Carry-on limit: 51 inches and 40 pounds.


Delta
Checked bag fees: (Domestic) First, free; second, $25; third to 10th, $80 to $180 each.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $80; 71-100 pounds, $150.
Oversize bag fees: 62-80 inches, $150.
Carry-on limit: 45 inches and 40 pounds.

JetBlue
Checked bag fees: First, free; second, $10; third, $75.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50. 71-99 pounds, $100.
Oversize bag fees: 63-80 inches, $75.
Carry-on limit: 50 inches for Embraer 190 planes, 56 inches for Airbus A320s.

Northwest
Checked bag fees: First, $15; second, $25; third, $100.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50.
Oversize bag fees: (Domestic) 63-80 inches, $100.
Carry-on limit: 45 inches.

Southwest
Checked bag fees: First and second, free; third, $25; fourth and additional, $50 to $110 each.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $25; 71-100 pounds, $50.
Oversize bag fees: 63-80 inches, $50.
Carry-on limit: 50 inches.


United (fees as of Aug. 18)
Checked bag fees: (Domestic) First, $15; second, $25; third and additional, $125 to $250 each.
Overweight bag fees: 51-100 pounds, $125.
Oversize bag fees: 63-115 inches, $125.
Carry-on limit: 45 inches.

US Airways
Checked bag fees: First, $15; second, $25; third and additional, $100 each.
Overweight bag fees: 51-70 pounds, $50 to $150; 71- 100 pounds, $100 to $200 (based on number of bags).
Oversize bag fees: 62-80 inches: $100
Carry-on limit: 51 inches.

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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sloopskipper says on Aug 5, 2008, 09:21:

Copa airlines announces changes in baggage policy
Tuesday, July 22, 2008



Panama City, Panama, July 21, 2008 -- Copa Airlines today implemented a new system for excess baggage charges for passengers who book flights departing on or after Sept. 1.

The new excess baggage fee will be the same for flights to all destinations other than Brazil or the United States.

The total free-of-charge baggage weight allowance per passenger will remain the same. For example:
• For flights between Central America, South America, and the Caribbean (except Puerto Rico), the maximum weight and size allowed per bag, free of charge, is 50 lbs (23Kg) and 62 linear inches.
o Tourist Class: two bags with a maximum combined weight of 70 lbs (32Kg).
o Executive Class: three bags with a maximum combined weight of 140 lbs. (64Kg).
• For flights to and from the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, the maximum weight and size allowed per bag, free of charge, is 50 lbs (23Kg) and 62 linear inches.

o Tourist Class: two bags with a maximum combined weight of 100 lbs (46Kg).

o Executive Class: three bags with a maximum combined weight of 150 lbs (69Kg).

• For flights between Brazil and the United States, maximum weight and size allowed per bag, free of charge, is 32Kg and 62 linear inches.

o Tourist Class: two bags with a maximum combined weight of 140 lbs (64Kg).

o Executive Class: three bags with a maximum combined weight of 210 lbs (96Kg).

The airline has also implemented new excess baggage charges for all passengers, including those in Executive Class:
• If the total baggage weight per passenger exceeds the maximum weight allowed, the passenger will be charged:

o US $100 for flights between the United States and Brazil

o US $50 for all destinations except the United States and Brazil

Passengers who wish to take more bags than the standard allowance will be charged USD $75 for each additional piece. Passengers traveling with additional bags in excess of the maximum weight and dimensions permitted per bag will be charged as follows:

o For every bag that weighs between 23 (50lbs) and 32 (70lbs) kilos * US $50

o For every bag that weighs between 33 (72lbs) and 45 (100lbs) kilos US $75

o For every bag that measures between 63�and 107� US $75

*Except for flights between Brazil and the United States
Every additional charge will be cumulative; the sum of all charges will be the excess baggage fee.

Para más información y detalles de las políticas de equipaje de Copa Airlines visite copaair.com.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 5, 2008, 10:14:

Last month, American did not charge me. The counter agent said that the fees are not charged for any part of an international itinerary. I wasn't charged for Houston - Miami or Miami-Bogota. This is certainly something to take into account when comparing fares.

This is from the list of baggage fee exemptions on AA.com

- Customers originating travel in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada and traveling to an international destination beyond the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada

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Joel y Luza says on Aug 5, 2008, 10:55:

let's see.. maybe fly naked and stinky? The airlines may just get the hint!

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Waterdawg says on Aug 5, 2008, 11:21:

I think we all understand the economics of the jet fuel problem and costs.. But when the air lines start charging you extra for the ice in your coke ????? ( Joke ) .. The Air Lines ( especially the US owned and operated ) have made flying almost as miserable as possible & then have the nerve to ask for sympathy ! .. Reducing the number of flights , packing you in like sardines , security and check in lines form hell .. why our customers in such a bad mood even before they get ON THE PLANE ??? I have started to call Continental Air Lines ; The Continental Cattle Company , and they are really better than most .. Copa has been my favorite for some time now ..

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sloopskipper says on Aug 5, 2008, 12:23:

Me too waterdawg, I liked flying them, and in fact like Victor Kiam used to say about Remington razors "I liked them so much, I bought the company", well . . . at least a few shares.

I have posted before that I was able to attend Copa Investor's Day in January and had a chance to meet the entire Copa management team and the president of Aero República (a Colombian, but a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, U of P), and heard them all present. They're a class act, with a real story to tell.

Since they have the youngest (avg. 3.8 years), and most fuel efficient, fleet in the air they have not been hurt as badly as the other airlines with the high fuel costs, and of course they buy future contracts.

When I flew to Cartagena I was surprised when I asked for a Cuba Libra, I was not charged. I didn't think anybody offered free booze anymore, even on international flights (and this one was only 50 minutes, and I was flying steerage on an award flight).

LAN/Chile/Perú/Argentina is another great carrier.

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curramberochris says on Aug 5, 2008, 12:39:

As long as they are losing money on fuel costs! People take too much luggage anyway. I have noticed that people seem to take take every possession they have and then bring back more!

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Saltador says on Aug 5, 2008, 12:58:

august,
You mentioned the carry-on strategy, but if you're not one of the first people on the plane you may not have room for your bag overhead. I noticed on Spirit it seems everyone is trying to avoid the baggage charge by bringing huge carry-ons. The possible downside is having it under the seat in front of you, stealing your leg room, or them actually forcing you to leave it behind at the airport. How much would that bite?

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august says on Aug 5, 2008, 13:17:

Oh I agree, Saltador, it´s not much of a solution, I was just referencing the line in the article.

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Waterdawg says on Aug 5, 2008, 13:44:

Sloop ...My only problem with Copa ( as I have raged about many times ) is the Panama/ Bogota fare ; an hour flight and they gouge you for $450 - $500.00 every time . I stopped making the trip.

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august says on Aug 5, 2008, 13:54:

Then again, maybe Spirit really is working on a solution to control costs. This was the subject header of their most recent and always creatively titled promo emails:

We Believe in Offshore Drilling and Fares from $9* Each Way

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poco says on Aug 5, 2008, 14:06:

Quote: I have noticed that people seem to take take every possession they have and then bring back more!
======================

The biggest possession that people take on airlines is their ass and beer gut. I think the airlines can demand a really wide assed person pay for two seats. Hummm, I wonder if they get double luggage allowances ?

Anyway,, the number of U.S. citizens traveling to Colombia is about half of what it was a year ago or so I was told.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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sloopskipper says on Aug 5, 2008, 15:11:

Waterdawg says on Aug 5 (today): flag

"Sloop ...My only problem with Copa ( as I have raged about many times ) is the Panama/ Bogota fare ; an hour flight and they gouge you for $450 - $500.00 every time . I stopped making the trip"

I must agree but that seems to be pattern for short haul flights from all the carriers, especially in Latin America. I might have to make a trip to California and was investigating a Copa flight from Panamá to San Jose (CR) to connect with USAir for an award flight. $527 for a 27 minute flight (although there was about $146 in taxes, etc), DAMN!

Copa from PTY to LAX is not even double the cost of that 27 minute flight (USD 973.30)

I mentioned that to one those Copa execs (I think was the pres.), and I only got a wry smile.

But, I remember 3 or 4 years ago it cost about $260 to fly from San Juan to Santo Domingo on AA, and it's less than 250 miles. More than a dollar a mile, back then!

Flying free on miles is the only revenge.

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jinksmiester says on Aug 5, 2008, 18:22:

Returning to barranquilla for a few weeks in sept and i see with my e tickets first bag free...second bag 25 bucks.Alaska airlines to miami...i suppose they are all going that way.
connecting with avianca in miami and im betting more than 1 bag will cost extra with them to.
Speaking of not bad deals on flights...( for any canucks out there) i checked out mexicana airlines emonton to bogota return 844. bucks taxes included.Thats about half the price of Air canada,s flight - bog to toronto then edmonton ....trip with mexicana goes edmonton to mexico city then bog...

A man is not old until regret takes the place of dreams

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sanandressi says on Aug 6, 2008, 07:50:

The airlines are simply trying to increase revenues as oil prices skyrocket. Charging for baggage does seem silly in that what they should do is just raise ticket prices.

Thank Southwest, Airtran, Jetblue, Go, Frontier and other so called "low cost" carriers for many of these changes. You want a lower price but at what cost? No meal. No pillow etc.

We will get used to paying for baggage.....

"FDR in 1929 as president went on televison..." Joe Biden DEMOCRAT VP candidate who just keeps on giving! FDR elected 1932 and television appeared in the 1950''s LOL

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sloopskipper says on Aug 6, 2008, 08:14:

Yes, and what is the final cost of the trip? In addition to some really bad service with some the low cost carriers, is there really a worthwhile savings?

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 6, 2008, 10:13:

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 5, 2008, 10:14
Last month, American did not charge me. The counter agent said that the fees are not charged for any part of an international itinerary. I wasn't charged for Houston - Miami or Miami-Bogota. This is certainly something to take into account when comparing fares.

This is from the list of baggage fee exemptions on AA.com

- Customers originating travel in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada and traveling to an international destination beyond the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada.



Do you know if it matters if they have connecting flights with a different airline? My husband will be taking off from Denver on American Airlines and connecting flights with Avianca in Miami landing in Cali. I wonder... ? =\

Diana

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 6, 2008, 13:15:

Hmm. I'm not sure if that would count. They told me I had to have bought both legs of the trip as part of a single itinerary. The agent said that they had to check my bags all the way through to Bogota for me to avoid paying.

They have also checked them all the way when I've flown AA to Miami and then Avianca to Bogota. However, that was before they started charging so I don't know if that would make a difference. You'll have to call the airline, but I would call their airport number in Denver instead of the reservations line.

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 6, 2008, 13:49:

Yeah, it's a little vague huh? We'll just pay with our debit card if they do charge extra, I mean might as well get used to it since it seems like that they will implement that rule all across the board anyway.

Thanks CG!

Diana

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goin_south says on Aug 6, 2008, 15:41:

Nice 'pun' in that Headline, sloopskipper ;-)

Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue.

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