I just rec'd an email that says that the major airlines, American included, will begin charging for a second checked bag on flights,unless you are a member of their FF clubs. Knowing how rumors beget rumors beget rumors, I thought I'd check with the "source" - any BT'ers know anything about this?

Delta's new one checked bag policy will begin May 1. My flight is May 3. So I called Delta the other day and talked to three different people (2 in baggage and 1 in online support) and got the same answer ... Delta's new policy on May 1 will not apply to international flights. They looked up my ticket # and confirmed Bonaire is considered international from the US. I don't have this in writing though, which makes me nervous. Call your airline customer service and confirm their rules for international baggage. Let me know what you hear.

Continental just announced a change to charging for a second checked bag. The information is on their website. The website clearly states that the policy does not apply to international flights. They were also very clear that all legs of your flight are considered "international" if your final destination is that. So for example if you fly from Boston to Houston to Bonaire you will be allowed two checked bags.

Delta's website is not so clear on the updated international baggage policies, at least not yet. The online support guy told me the Delta website should be updated by mid-April.

thanks susan
will check again later in summer we don't leave until end of summer
es

The change should also only apply to tickets booked after a certain date (e.g. the date they announced the change).

Note also that a number of the airlines will honor Elite FF status to waive the fee even if that Elite status is with one of their partner airlines.

I've not seen anything about American announcing the fee, but would not be surprised to see it happen. Good things I'm a lifetime Gold on American (and Elite for most other airlines too :-) ).

Jake

BTW, Brian, it's not enough to be just a member of the frequent flyer programs to avoid the extra bag fee - you have to be at an Elite tier (typically that would be "Gold" or higher). Or flying First/Business class.

Jake

I wonder if A¥A will give a pass to Admirals???

I just checked AA's website. It doesn't say anything there about charging for a second checked bag. It still says you can check two (2) 50 lb. bags free.

Before they do that, I'd like to see the airlines actually enforce the one carry-on and a purse/laptop. When we flew AA to San Antonio, folks had THREE carry-ons, and a "purse" or laptop! If they are going to have the rule, why not enforce it?

If they charge for a second bag, I see the carry-on issue getting worse...ugh...

Rant off!

Boat Chick, I agree. I just booked a flight with seats on the front row, so we HAVE to use the overhead compartments. Now I'm worried that they'll be full before we even get on the plane.