Northwest Airlines says it will begin charging $25 for a second piece of luggage for flights within North America. Northwest joined United Airlines, Delta Airlines and U.S. Airways in adding this new fee. The charge goes into effect May 5 and applies each-way.
Northwest will also start charging $50, up from the previous $25, for bags over 50 pounds.
Northwest's high-end frequent fliers and full-fare passengers can still check two bags without paying extra. First-class passengers get three bags for free as long as each bag is under the 50 pound limit.
American Airlines filed required paperwork in Canada saying they are "considering" the 2nd bag charge. Canada requires advance notice of such changes. As fuel prices continue to rise, our bet is that they'll most likely go along with the others.
Virgin America has always charged for a second piece of checked baggage... but each checked piece can weigh up to 70 pounds, and their second piece charge is only $10.
Note: You may be "Grandfathered". If you purchased your ticket prior to the various dates that each of the carriers announced changes to their baggage restrictions, you will still be able to check a second bag without paying the new charge.
For example: United Airlines made their announcement February 4, 2008 for travel after May 5, 2008. So if you purchased your ticket prior to February 4 you don't have to pay the extra charge. We are not sure that all of the airline's ticket counter agents will be fully briefed on this, so we suggest you follow our links to your carrier's baggage policy page to verify their latest updates. You may even want to print a copy of that part of their baggage policy and bring it with you to the airport.
