Air travellers will have to pay higher baggage fees from February 1.
A string of U.S. airlines have hiked charges on luggage - and the move will earn them $1.8 billion this year, according to airline consultancy firm IdeaWorks.
The U.S.'s nine major airlines lost more than $3 billion last year.
Fees on baggage and other items are increasing because airlines do not want to raise fare prices while traveller demand is already low due to the recession.
American Airlines was the last major U.S. airline to resist increasing baggage fees but they announced a rise on Monday.
Kim Every, general manager for Meyer-Franklin Travel, said: "Flying international from Bermuda you will still be allowed two free bags - if you're travelling in one day.
"If you're stopping somewhere and continuing on the next day or later then you'll have to pay $25 for the first bag and $35 for your second bag. That's effectively gone up $5 per bag effective the first of February."
Ms Every said most airlines will give you a $2 discount on the first two bags if you check in online and print out your boarding pass.
"That's something we do encourage," she added.
She said people can then avoid the hassle of using kiosks to check in at the airport, which has proved to be a nuisance for many travellers.
Reader Comments
Posted: Friday, August 20, 2010
Comment by:
Sara Westhead
This is absolutely disgusting. People should be allowed one free bag. The price of tickets, especially to and from Bermuda doesn't represent domestic US prices, and so we shouldn't be treated as such.
