Weeks after United Airlines began to charge $25 for a second piece of carry-on luggage; US Airways has jumped on the bandwagon. For more on the United Airlines story, read our article: Extra Luggage? $25 Please, says United Airlines .
Who Will Pay and How Much?
Those travelling with US Airways from now on will be able to carry on 1 checked bag free of charge and 1 carry-on bag. Some destinations outside the United States will also have limitations on checked baggage during specific times of the year. (No, we don’t really know what that means, either).
This fee will apply to travel on or after May 5, 2008 for tickets purchased on or after Feb 26, 2008. What’s even worse is that US Airways’ new checked bag policy will apply to both domestic as well as international flights (Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe).
Who Gets a Break?
Of course, the extra baggage fee is waived for members of Dividend Miles, first class passengers, and Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members.
Military personnel with uniform and ID, unaccompanied minors and those with assistive devices are also waived from having to pay this fee.
Moral of the story? Pack as light as you can! At London Heathrow Airport last week, there was some mechanical problem having something to do with the luggage conveyor belt and so those on flights affected were only allowed to bring on their carry-ons!
Let’s hope this doesn’t become a trend.
