Airline Gambles Move Will Result In More Cash, Fewer Bags
The nickel-and-dime-ing of domestic
air travelers continues, as US Airways announced this week it will
soon start charging passengers $25 for a second piece of checked
luggage.
The move follows the precedent set by United Airlines. As ANN reported, that carrier
announced earlier this month it would start charging $25 for a
second piece of checked luggage. Prior to the announcement, United
and nearly all other airlines in existence allowed two pieces of
checked baggage, within weight limits, for free -- a move intended
to cut down on the amount of carry-on luggage clogging overhead
bins, and security checkpoints.
In its announcement Tuesday, the airline took a curiously
apologetic tone for the move.
"We’re making these changes to offset record fuel prices
and rising airline related expenses," read a US Airways statement.
"We simply must make changes to the way we do business to provide
all of you with the high level of service that you’ve come to
expect from US Airways. Also, we’re doing all we can to keep
fares low. With this policy change, we’re able to give you
the choice to avoid the fee and pack fewer items.
"With fewer bags to process, we save both money and fuel and can
pass that savings on to you," the release concluded. (Translation:
"Take less junk with you, and none of us will have to pay as much"
-- Ed.)
Like United's policy, the new charge for US Airways will take
effect May 5, and also includes raising of charges for between 3-9
pieces of checked baggage from $80 per bag to $100. Frequent fliers
and members of each airline's respective preferred status programs
won't have to pay the fee.
Passengers in first class will also be able to continue checking
two pieces of luggage without an added fee, as will active military
personnel. The fee doesn't apply to unaccompanied minors, or
customers checking wheelchairs or strollers.
Given current economic conditions, it's entirely possible other
airlines will soon jump on the bandwagon -- yelling "Charge!" -- as
well.
But here's something ANN finds interesting: over the past few
years, both US Airways and United have often ranked near the
very bottom of airline performance and
customer satisfaction lists, for a variety of reasons (including
lost baggage.) The new charges aren't likely to help matters.