Air travel is getting more expensive. U.S. airlines are making so much money charging flyers for checked bags that the amounts have soared.
Boomers and seniors, like all flyers, should pack only a carry-on, ship bags via UPS, Fed Ex or a commercial service ahead of time, or be prepared for pricey and confusing new baggage allowance rules. Travelers must now hand over $15 and more each way for every checked bag and as much as $100 for each heavy bag on all but two carriers. As of Jan. 5, 2010 Delta scaled prices upward.
Below is a guide for leading carriers, according to the airlines as well as to travel experts at the Wall Street Journal and various websites such as AirfareWatchdog.com. All charges apply only to domestic flights within the U.S. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in some cases Canada. There are different allowances for international travel. Of course, these rules may change at any time, so always double-check with the airline.
Southwest and JetBlue Luggage Allowance
On Southwest first and second checked bags are free. But a third bag is $25, a fourth or more is $50 each. Maximum weight 50 pounds. For 41-70 pound bags it’s $25 per bag (even the first) and over 70 pounds is $50.
On JetBlue first checked bag is still free. But the second is $30, Three or more: $75 per bag. Overweight is an extra $50 for each 51- to 70-pound bag, $100 each for 70 to 99 pound bags.
Delta and Northwest Charge Big for Third Bag
Travelers who pre-pay baggage fees via online check-in at Delta.com save on their first checked bag – it’s $23 – and on the second bag fee -- $32. But Delta and Northwest now charge $25 for first checked bag, $35 for second bag checked at the airport ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. For overweight bags 41-70 pounds it’s an extra $90 each and for 71-100 pounds it’s $175.
Watch out for number of bags, especially if carrying sports equipment like skis and snowboards! Delta and Northwest now charge $125 for third bag checked at the airport.
American Airlines, United Airlines Baggage Allowance
On American, the first checked bag is $20, the second is $30. The price jumps to $100 for the third, fourth and fifth bag. For overweight bags 50 to 70 pounds there is an additional fee of $50 each way; for 70 to 100 pounds the fee jumps to $100.
United offers a lower fee for those who pre-pay online for bags to be checked. Pre-paid first bag is $15, second is $25. For airport check-in, those fees rise to $20 and $30. Third and fourth bags are $125 per bag each way. Overweight bags are an additional $125 per bag over 50 to 70 pounds “depending on class of service and frequent flyer privileges,” according to the airline.
Cautionary note: these charges are subject to change without notice, so double check an airline's website to see what the cost is.
In summary, domestic US travel even on the best airlines now costs a lot more for those checking bags.
Grace Lichtenstein - I prefer "seasoned" to "senior" but whatever term you use, I have been an outdoor adventurer for most of my adult years. I am a cycling ...
