BAGGAGE FEES FLYING HIGH

Like many of you jet setters, I too was so upset when airlines starting imposing baggage surcharges a few years ago. Now, we have all had to either suck it up and pay, or just take our luggage on the plane with us. (Not easy for me to do as the major over-packer that I am!) Well now, to add insult to injury, Delta Airlines has just announced that it's going to increase its baggage fees!!! Before, if you flew Delta and checked luggage, you had to pay $15 for your first bag and $25 for your second. Now, the fees are going up to $23 for your first bag and $32 for your second. In addition, Continental Airlines is also increasing its baggage fees to match Delta's. That's simply OUTRAGEOUS!!! Below is a list I found on-line of what the major carriers expect you to pay for the privilege of checking your bags. All fees are for flights within the U.S. Of course, there are some exceptions to these fees if you pay them at the airport vs. online, or if you are a frequent flyer, etc...so make sure to check with your carrier for your specific details.
- Alaska Airlines: $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second
- American Airlines: $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second
- Continental Airlines: $23 for the first, $32 for the second
- Delta Airlines: $23 for the first, $32 for the second
- JetBlue Airlines: first bag free, second bag will cost you $30
- Northwest Airlines: first bag $23, second bag $32
- Southwest Airlines: two bags for free. Really!!! (I wish I lived where Southwest flies!)
- United Airlines: when fees paid online, $15 for the first bag, and $25 for the second. When paid at the airport, $5 more for each bag.
- Virgin America: $20 for the first, $20 for the second

Also, check out this chart for how much fees went up in the last two years. I want to puke! This doesn't make jet setting as much fun!!!