Happy New Year from AirTran, Delta, Hawaiian, Midwest, and Virgin America. They've welcomed in 2010 with higher baggage fees. Interestingly, some fees were raised as others dropped. For example, Delta actually lowered its carry-on fee for transporting a pet (now $100 USD/CAD/EUR, down from $150 USD/CAD/EUR) but increased the cost of checking your first bag (now $23 USD online and $25 at the airport, up from $15 and $20). Keeping up with airline baggage fees is quite a task. So I've not only listed some of them, but also linked to those often hard-to-find airline Web pages where the information is displayed. Find links to baggage fees for 10 leading low cost carriers, baggage fees for 10 major world airlines and even some budget packing tips. Always check the linked airline Web pages to be sure you're getting the latest information; use the menu as a guideline.
Above all, let those who insist on dragging bulky bags pay these escalating fees. Keep your baggage to a minimum, travel with a carry-on only whenever possible, and save cash for something fun.
Photo courtesy Alex Wong/Getty Images.
Although they are not an international carrier, I think every travel writer should commend Southwest Airlines for not charging domestic baggage fees. And they’re proud of it! Saving up to $100 round trip is significant. I’ve gained a lot of respect for Southwest.