Airlines ~ Pack Less or Pay More

By GARY STOLLER, USA TODAY
A growing number of fliers are finding there's a price to pay for checking bags. Airlines are charging for bags that once were free to check and raising prices for fliers with lots of luggage, overweight bags and oversized bags. In May, United Airlines will become the first of the big traditional U.S. carriers to switch from two free checked bags to one. Last month, Southwest Airlines and ATA Airlines switched from three free checked bags to two.

Beginning May 5, United will charge passengers with non-refundable tickets on domestic flights $25 for a second checked bag and $100 per bag for a third, fourth and fifth checked bag. United now charges $85 for a third checked bag, the highest rate of any airline. Not all United fliers will pay for a second bag. Passengers flying in first or business class and those who have elite status in United's frequent-flier program or its Star Alliance partner program will not be charged.

Also on May 5, the airline will increase its overweight-bag rate (for bags weighing more than 50 pounds) from $50 to $100.
United says that one of every four passengers checks a second bag.
Most of the cost savings will come from burning less fuel because of fewer bags and reduced weight in the cargo hold.

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