Itemized Charges Update: Delta Ups The Ante!
July 30th, 2008 by Bryan Goodwin bgoodwin@flipkey.comI recently wrote a post concerning Itemized Charges Becoming the Norm in Travel which highlighted American Airlines, United and US Airways new policies of charging $15 each way for a traveler’s first checked bag and $25 each way for their second.
Today Delta upped the ante by announcing they are raising their fee for passengers’ second checked bag from $25 to $50 in an attempt to combat record fuel prices. Delta does not charge for the first checked bag, but does apply increased fees for items requiring special handling (i.e. golf clubs, surf boards and skis) See the Announcement on Yahoo here
I typically try to avoid checking any bags when traveling, but an upcoming golf trip to Myrtle Beach will require two checked bags. The idea of shelling out an extra $50 each way for my golf clubs is not appealing, but what is my alternative? The fact is, we as travelers often need to check in luggage and the airlines need to find new revenue channels to off set their soaring fuel costs – the two “needs” were bound to meet each other. For now, its safe to assume itemized luggage charges will become a norm in the industry, so rather than complain I’m going to figure out how to cram my 3 iron in my carry-on.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hey Bryan,
It is crazy to watch the airlines crack down and charge for everything. I read recently that one airline is going to charge $2 for the, traditionally free, non-alcoholic beverage.
Regarding your clubs, it’s worth checking into one of the shipping companies (especially if you don’t need them the week before because the ground shipping is much more inexpensive). It doesn’t cost too much more to ship them considering the new charges and then you don’t have to lug them around the airport.
http://www.theluggageclub.com
http://www.golfbagshipping.com
August 13th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Hi Mike,
I certainly agree that there is a shift towards itemized charges in the airline industry but can also understand the need to do something as the profitability has been way down for some time.
Also, great call on shipping the clubs. I will certainly look into it and the idea of not having to wheel them around the airport AND avoiding the $50 fee from the airlines is very intriguing.
Potentially consumers will not accept these itemized charges the airlines are trying to tack on every place they can but instead, like you, become more creative about how they can avoid them.