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.

FMI: www.usairways.com, www.united.com