Continental, Delta Upping Checked-Bag Fees
Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines once again are upping the fees they charge domestic economy passengers to check a first and second piece of luggage.
Effective for travel beginning today for flights booked on or after Jan. 5, Delta is charging economy passengers in the U.S. and Canada $23 per way to check their first piece of luggage when paid online and $25 when paid at the airport. For the second checked bag, Delta is charging $32 if paid online and $35 at the airport.
Continental posted the same pricing adjustment on its Web site, effective for tickets purchased on or after Jan. 9 for travel on or after Jan. 16.
Previously, Delta charged $15 for the first bag when paid online, and $20 at the airport, while levying $25 for the second bag when paying online and $30 at the airport. Continental, meanwhile, charged $20 for the first checked bag if paid at the airport and $18 if prepaid online, and $30 for their second checked bag at the airport and $27 online.
US Airways in August began charging passengers $20 for the first checked bag if purchased online and $25 at the airport. The carrier also began charging $30 for the second checked bag if purchased through its Web site and $35 at the airport.
American Airlines and United Airlines at press time had yet to match the pricing moves led by Delta and Continental, according to baggage policies posted on their Web sites.