More airlines are increasing their luggage fees – but it could be good news

MORE airlines are ramping up luggage fees from what many would already consider a hefty sum – but it could actually be good news.

JetBlue, American and United and Frontier Airlines are just a few of the companies who have raised the cost of luggage recently.

GettyAirlines are increasing the cost of luggage[/caption]

The airlines claim the rises are caused by higher fuel costs and increased operating costs.

At American and United, the first checked in bag now costs £31 at the airport.

JetBlue discreetly increased its baggage fees earlier in February to £35 for checking in the first bag less than a day before departure.

And Frontier Airlines charges £58 for luggage that weighs anywhere between 41 and 50 pounds. 

Delta has kept its baggage fees at £23 for the first bag, and Southwest is the only major carrier that doesn’t charge passengers for the first two checked-in items. 

American raised its bag fees for the first time in nearly five years, using a two-tiered fee strategy similar to that of United.

For people who check in a bag at the airport, it’ll cost £31 but the customers who check in bags online will only pay only £27.

The changes at American were part of a wider revamp of its booking process, which included only allowing travellers to earn frequent flyer miles on flights booked directly with the carrier or through certain online travel agencies. 

A company spokesperson said: “American Airlines routinely evaluates our ancillary offerings as part of the normal course of business,”

They added: “Due to inflation, fuel costs and increased operating costs, the new fees for first and second checked bags on all American Airlines routes within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

But the good news is these increases are not universal.

American is reducing the cost of certain overweight bags.

For items that weigh anywhere between 50 to 53 pounds, customers will pay an extra £23 instead of the previous whopping £77 fee. 

It comes as airlines are getting stricter with their hand luggage rules, with some people even calling for it to be scrapped.

Trying to fit all your luggage into a tiny hand luggage-sized suitcase can be a nightmare, especially when going away for a longer period of time.

However, most passengers prefer the convenience of having their bags with them on the plane, meaning they’re ready to head straight through the airport after they land.

What’s more, checking in luggage costs passengers more money, so only flying with hand luggage makes things a little cheaper.

There’s also the risk of your luggage going missing when checked in.

Yet travelling with only hand luggage has its problems – especially with airlines becoming more diligent with their size checking.

   

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