• Print
• E-mail
• Add to My Trips

First there was no free lunch -- or dinner. Then it cost extra to book an air ticket by phone. Now you can't even check your luggage for free.

Facing record fuel costs, many major airlines charge $25 each way to check a second bag on a domestic flight, while at least three charge $15 for a first bag. So it can cost $80 to take two bags on a round-trip flight; more if they're overweight or you use curbside check-in.

What's a flier to do? You could pay the bag fees, switch to a carrier that doesn't charge them, cram more into carry-ons, pack lighter or ship your stuff. Each has its pluses and minuses. Whatever you do, flying with luggage is a whole new bag.

Some fliers seem resigned to the situation.

The new fees are "outrageous," said Joleen Garnett of Los Angeles, who recently flew American from LAX. "But what can you do? Otherwise, airlines would be filing for bankruptcy."

Others are not.

"I think it's crazy," said Kristyn Csiszar, a flight attendant from Long Beach. "For the first bag, it should be free." (She declined to identify her employer.)

Here are ways to cope:

Pay the fee : For infrequent travelers, paying $15 or $25 may not be a big burden.

The new fee "doesn't bother me much because I don't travel much," said Rick Pierson of Buena Park.

Heading recently with his two children from LAX to Texas for a two-week trip, he added, "We couldn't do this with one carry-on."

Choose a different carrier : At deadline Friday, among big airlines, only American, United and US Airways had announced charges of $15 each way to check a first bag. (Effective dates vary based on booking and travel dates.) Several others charged only for a second bag, and Southwest Airlines still allowed up to two free checked bags.

Watch for updates. Airlines must give advance notice of these fees in print ads and online, the U.S. Department of Transportation has ruled. But they haven't always done so. After talks with the DOT this month, Delta agreed to refund fees for second checked bags to some fliers who bought tickets before the new policy was adopted.

Become a premium customer : Not always practical. But if you're a high-mileage frequent flier, buy a full-fare economy ticket or travel in first or business class, you're usually exempt from the new fee.

Bring more onboard : This can be tricky because some carriers are cracking down.

• • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Baltimore Sun
  • Chicago Tribune
  • Daily Press
  • Hartford Courant
  • LA Times
  • Orlando Sentinel
  • Sun Sentinel
  • The Morning Call
  • The Virginia Gazette

• Los Angeles Times, 202 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012 | Copyright 2009