Northwest, US Airways Add $15 First Checked Bag Fee
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
Well, it’s not like we didn’t see it coming. The days of the free first checked bag, at least on major airlines’ domestic U.S. flights, are numbered. Yesterday, Northwest Airlines announced that it will begin charging travelers $15 to check the first bag, a policy adopted earlier this summer by American Airlines and United Airlines. This morning, US Airways threw itself into the ring and announced the same $15 fee.
Northwest Airlines Baggage Policy
What’s more, the US Airways has also decided that, in addition to other recent changes like eliminating free in-flight beverages in economy class, it will beginning removing in-flight entertainment systems from its seats this fall, with no plans to replace them anytime soon. According to this AP story, the company estimates the change will save $10 million annually in fuel costs, thanks to the lighter load.
It seems that what many considered an unbelievable change in airline policies just a few months ago has quickly become the norm.
As for me, I think it’s time to drop some cash over at Minimus. Of course, isn’t that the irony? Paying more for new, tinier toiletries in order to avoid fees that will likely be less than the annual cost of my personal products?
