Airlines Hike Up Luggage Fees – But There’s a Silver Lining
MORE airlines are ramping up luggage fees – but it could actually be good news. JetBlue, American, United, and Frontier Airlines are just a few of the companies who have raised the cost of luggage recently. The airlines claim the rises are caused by higher fuel costs and increased operating costs.
JetBlue and American Increase Luggage Fees
JetBlue discreetly increased its baggage fees earlier in February to £35 for checking in the first bag less than a day before departure. At American and United, the first checked-in bag now costs £31 at the airport.
Frontier Airlines Charges Hefty Fees
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 Airlines Revamps Booking Process
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 customers who check in bags online will only pay £27. The changes at American were part of a wider revamp of its booking process.
Positive Changes on the Horizon
But the good news is these increases are not universal. American is actually 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.
The Battle Between Checked Luggage and Hand Luggage
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.
Navigating the Hand Luggage Dilemma
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. So, while luggage fees may be on the rise, there are still silver linings to be found amidst the changes.