As if paying for 2nd piece of luggage wasn’t bad enough, American Airlines decided to start charging for every piece of checked bags as a way to boost revenue in the face of record fuel prices starting June 15, 2008. First bag will be $15, second bag will be $25 and additional bags will cost a lot, a lot more. American Airlines will also slash jobs and flights in order to control costs.
The airline industry continues to make headlines this week as Delta and Northwest announced it will finally merge as both boards of directors authorized it. The new airline to be called Delta will be the world’s biggest airline based in Atlanta with a combined annual revenue of $31.7 billion, much bigger than American Airlines.
This long rumored merger won’t be without hitch, as Northwest pilots union already voiced concern and announced they will try to stop the deal. That may be too little too late as the soaring fuel price is what ultimately pushed for this deal. Expect to see more airline mergers to be announced in the next few weeks.
As if flying wasn’t unnecessarily complicated enough, United Airlines announced it will start charging for you to check in more than 1 bags. Previously, you were allowed to check in 2 bags: from May 5, 2008, that second bag will cost you $25, unless you’re a Premier United Mileage Plus program, or Silver Star Alliance member.
Unless other carriers follow this plan, make sure you avoid using United: this rule starts applying to tickets purchased since yesterday.
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