Seven U.S. Airlines Now Charging For 2nd Piece Of Checked Luggage

Northwest's high-end frequent fliers and full-fare passengers can still check two bags without paying extra. First-class passengers get three bags for free as long as each bag is under the 50 pound limit.

American Airlines filed required paperwork in Canada saying they are "considering" the 2nd bag charge. Canada requires advance notice of such changes. As fuel prices continue to rise, our bet is that they'll most likely go along with the others.

Click here for other airlines that are charging $25 for a second piece of luggage.

Virgin America has always charged for a second piece of checked baggage... but each checked piece can weigh up to 70 pounds, and their second piece charge is only $10.

Note: You may be "Grandfathered". If you purchased your ticket prior to the various dates that each of the carriers announced changes to their baggage restrictions, you will still be able to check a second bag without paying the new charge.

For example: United Airlines made their announcement February 4, 2008 for travel after May 5, 2008. So if you purchased your ticket prior to February 4 you don't have to pay the extra charge. We are not sure that all of the airline's ticket counter agents will be fully briefed on this, so we suggest you follow our links to your carrier's baggage policy page to verify their latest updates. You may even want to print a copy of that part of their baggage policy and bring it with you to the airport.

Here is a list of airlines that now charge for a second checked bag.

(1) Spirit Airlines, the low-cost carrier based in Fort Lauderdale, charges for the very first and second bag checked. Purchase online and pre-pay $10 per bag. Check bags at the airport and you must pay $20 each for bag number one and two. This program is now in effect. For full details on Spirit Airlines baggage policies click here.

(2) Virgin America Airlines, based in San Francisco and America's newest low-cost carrier, permits the first bag checked to be free. It should also be noted that most U.S.A. carriers have a free bag limit of 50lbs. Virgin permits your first bag to weigh up to 70lbs. Virgin does charge $10 for a second bag. This program is now in effect. For full details on Virgin America Airlines baggage policies, please click here.

(3) United Airlines becomes the first major legacy airline to enforce a $25 charge for a second bag. The first checked bag under 50lbs. is free. United's second bag policy only applies to travel within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, and takes effect on or after May 5, 2008.

Passengers who have purchased tickets prior to February 4, 2008 and are traveling on or after May 5, 2008 are still permitted to check two bags. For passengers who wish to check a 2nd bag, you will not be able to check it at curbside. Passengers can check 1st bag at curbside, but must take any additional bags inside to the check-in ticket counter. For full details on United Airlines baggage policies click here.

(4) US Airways became the 2nd major legacy airline to start charging $25 for a second bag. Unlike United Airlines, US Airways policy is system wide including travel within the 50 United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean and Europe starting on or after May 5, 2008.

Passengers who had purchased tickets on US Airways before February 26, 2008 do not have to pay for a second bag 50lbs or less for travel on or after May 5, 2008. For full details on US Airways policies click here.

(5) While American Airlines has not officially announced the plan to charge $25 for second checked bag, it should be noted that American Airlines has sent notice to the Canadian government in regards to the change. The Canadian government requires at least a 45 day notice before making such changes. For full details on American Airlines' baggage policies, please click here.

(6) Delta Airlines also will charge $25 for a second bag. But we have many questions on their new baggage policy.

a.) When you visit Delta's website and search excess baggage fees and limits, they have no information about charging $25 for the second bag. As the matter of fact, Delta's website page states you are still permitted to check two bags under 50lbs. for free.
b.) Upon further digging in Delta's contract of carriage, page 27 on the pdf file, Delta does state starting May 1, 2008, passengers will be required to pay an additional $25 per checked bag under 50lbs. No date was found on the contract of carriage when this change was made official.
c.) Delta Airlines' policy regarding charges for a second bag encounter even more confusion when you read their contract of carriage. US Airways, United and Northwest state that if your tickets were purchased prior to the change, you would not have to pay for a second bag. Delta's new rule states nothing other than on May 1, 2008 you will be charged. Hopefully, Delta will be less vague and update their website. If you plan to travel on Delta after May 1, 2008, it would be wise to call Delta's reservations center at 800-221-1212 for clarification.

Visit excess baggage changes on Delta, but be forewarned, we believe that the two bags free is history starting May 1, 2008. click here for full details.
To see Delta Airlines contract of carriage about baggage charges, read page 27 on the pdf file. click here for information on contract of carriage.

(7) Northwest Airlines is set to charge $25 for the second bag starting May 5, 2008. Changes for the second bag apply to all 50 United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Tickets purchased prior to March 29, 2008, will not be charged for the first two bags of 50lbs. or less. Effective May 5, 2008, your first bag may be checked in at curbside, however payment for the second bag must be made at the Northwest Airlines check-in counter. For full details on Northwest Airlines baggage policies click here.

To see the baggage fees and restrictions for all major U.S. carriers, please click here.

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