Delta Airlines and Continental Airlines have always been among the most expensive to check bags at $25 for the first and $35 for the second.  It used to be that you could save a little bit by checking in and prepaying for bags online — then these airlines charged only (only, ha) $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second.

Now both airlines have upped the online fees — you’ll still save money, but only enough for a cup of coffee.  First Delta raised fees to $23 and $32, and then Continental matched the increase.  New fees will apply to tickets purchased after January 5.

The fact that some flights now have tighter carry on restrictions will make it harder to avoid checking luggage.  Fantastic.

There’s only one major airline left in the US that doesn’t charge to check your first two bags, and in my experience, Southwest Airlines is the best carrier in the states for plenty more reasons.  They always have competitive fares, their seating policy is great, their seats are comfortable, their employees are the friendliest, and the free snacks on the plane are the yummiest.  Fee hikes by other airlines only farther separate Southwest from the pack.  Delta, Continental, all the rest  of you:  you’re doing it wrong.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 10:18 am and is filed under Flying. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.