When did airline baggage fees begin?

2008
Most airlines didn’t start charging for first and second checked bags until 2008. The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had rippling effects across American society, especially for air travel.

Did checked bags used to be free?

For decades, most carriers on domestic routes permitted customers to check at least two bags free. That changed during the first quarter of 2008, when United Airlines introduced a $25 fee for most coach passengers checking a second bag.

Why did they start charging for baggage?

U.S. carriers began charging passengers to check their luggage about a decade ago, as fuel costs surged. Since then airlines started charging for other things, such as seat selection, which once came with the cost of a ticket, along with add-ons like early boarding.

When did WestJet start charging for baggage?

On Aug. 28, WestJet began charging baggage fees in U.S. dollars for return flights from the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. Many passengers started noticing after Oct. 1, when WestJet raised its first checked bag fee from $25 to $30 — which amounts to about $40 when charged in U.S. currency.

Why are checked bags so expensive?

Having to check in every bag takes time and slows the boarding process, which means higher costs for airlines. If passengers were allowed an unlimited number and weight of bags, it would take a long time before the plane could take off.

Do airlines pay taxes on baggage fees?

The revenue from checked bags, like any other source of revenue, is subject to federal and state income tax. Fortunately, airlines are profitable now and they do, in fact, pay taxes on the bag fee revenue they earn.

Does WestJet charge for first checked bag?

WestJet’s (WS) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees follow: First bag: $30.00 CAD / $35.40 USD (not charged on Flex or Plus fares) Second bag: $50.00 CAD / $59.00 USD. Third and each additional bag: $100.00 CAD / $118.00 USD.

How do I avoid WestJet baggage fees?

You can bypass baggage fees by booking your flight with the airline’s preferred credit card. For example, if you pay for a flight with your WestJet RBC MasterCard you and up to eight passengers on the same reservation each check in one bag for free.

Does WestJet allow one free checked bag?

You are allowed to check 2 to 4 bags on a WestJet flight, except with WestJet Encore, where you are allowed 2 to 3 bags. The number of bags allowed over 2, and baggage fees required, depend on your fare bundle and WestJet Rewards tier benefits.

Are checked bag fees for round trip?

Baggage fees are per bag and per direction. So one way = one charge. Round trip = two charges. If your flight has a connection, bags will generally transfer from flight to flight and no additional fees will apply.

How do I avoid checked baggage fees?

The 6 Best Ways To Avoid Checked Bag Fees
  1. Fly with Airlines that Don’t Charge for Checked Baggage. …
  2. Earn Elite Status with an Airline. …
  3. Choose the Right Airline Credit Card. …
  4. Choose a Travel Card with an Airline Fee Credit. …
  5. Avoid Basic Economy. …
  6. Pack Light and Don’t Check a Bag.

Can you get a refund on a checked bag?

YES you can get a refund on your checked baggage fees. … But only if your baggage goes missing. That’s right. Airlines are only required to give you a refund if your bags are delayed by more than 12 hours (domestic) or 15 hours (international).

What airlines allow 2 free checked bags?

As indicated previously, the only major US airline offering 2 free checked bags is Southwest. However, the first bag checked on jetBlue is also free. (Size and weight limits apply.)

Do military dependents get free checked bags on American Airlines?

Bags. Depending on your destination, bags are free of charge with military ID: Up to 5 bags 100 lbs each for active U.S. military and / or dependents traveling on orders. Up to 3 bags 50 lbs each for active U.S. military on personal / leisure travel.

What if my checked bag is over 50 lbs?

Your airline immediately sees dollar signs. For example, American Airlines charges just $25 for a checked bag on a domestic flight, but the fee quadruples if your bag weighs more than 50 pounds and doubles again to $200 if it’s over 70 pounds. … Other airlines, though, take a hard line on overweight bags.

Can you check a bag with Southwest for free?

Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $75.00 per item one-way.

What airline gives you a free checked bag?

Southwest is pretty much the only major U.S. airline offering free checked baggage, and the company identifies strongly with that – “Bags fly free” is its trademarked slogan, after all.

Does southwest charge for skis?

Your skis2. When submitting ski equipment for one free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and snow boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. and golf bags3. fly free too!

Does Delta have free checked bags?

As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights booked with your Card. You can save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person.

How many 3 oz bottles can I take on a plane?

Well, according to TSA rules, the “3” stands for 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid, the first “1” stands for one clear zip-lock bag holding your 3.4 ounce containers, and the second “1” means per traveler. So there you go, you are limited to one bag with as many 3.4 ounce containers as can fit into your carry-on.

How much does a third checked bag cost on Southwest?

Optional Travel Charges
FEE COST
2nd Carryon Bag (Personal Item) $0 per bag
1st Checked Bag $0 per bag
2nd Checked Bag $0 per bag
3rd + Checked Bags Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders3 Large Media Camera Equipment $75 per bag $0 per bag $75 per item

Do you get a free checked bag with Delta First Class?

A Medallion Member traveling in Delta One® or First Class can check up to 3 free bags at 70 lbs. per bag. A Medallion Member traveling in Delta Premium Select can check up to 3 free bags at 50 lbs. per bag.

Are bags free with Delta comfort?

Basic Economy, Main Cabin & Delta Comfort: 2 free bags (50 pounds / 23 kg each) First Class, Delta Premium Select & Delta One: 3 free bags (70 pounds/ 32 kg each) Your bags can be 62 inches (total length + width + height)