By BILL SANDERSON
June 13, 2008
Two more airlines announced $15 charges for a passenger's first checked bag yesterday, a sign that the trend toward more airline service fees is taking off.
United Airlines' new fee takes effect today for travel starting on or after Aug. 18. US Airways announced a similar fee which takes effect for tickets booked on or after July 9.
Both airlines' fees apply to travel in the US and Canada. US Airways is applying the fee to flights to Latin America and the Caribbean; United will charge on flights to the Virgin Islands.
The airlines' other international destinations will be exempt. Business and first class passengers and elite frequent fliers won't have to pay the fee.
The airlines' fees follow American Airlines' announcement last month of a $15 first checked bag fee that applies to tickets bought on or after Sunday.
Experts expect other carriers to follow suit. "Record-high fuel costs are certainly causing us to look at everything," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott.
United executive VP John Tague said, "With record-breaking fuel prices, we must pursue new revenue opportunities."
