American Airlines and Northwest Airlines will match competitors and begin charging passengers $25 to check a second piece of baggage

. Northwest said its policy takes effect May 5 for coach class customers traveling in North America. Elite-level loyalty program members and "passengers booked in full fare classes (Y or B)" are exempt. Reutersreported that AA also will charge $25 for a second piece of checked luggage. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways already announced similar policies.