US Airways raises fees on checked luggage

By Associated Press

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

NEW YORK — US Airways said Wednesday it is bumping up its fees for first and second checked bags by $5 each, and is tacking on an additional fee for a second checked bag on trans-Atlantic flights.

The Tempe, Ariz.-based airline will charge $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second, when bags are checked online. The current charge is $15 for a first checked bag and $25 for a second checked bag when checked online.

Passengers will also pay an extra $5 per bag checked in at the airport. The current bag fees at the airport are $20 for the first and $30 for the second.

US Airways Group Inc. is also matching a $50 second checked bag fee on its trans-Atlantic flights, a charge recently introduced by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The new trans-Atlantic second bag fee will apply to all European destinations served by the airline.

The US Airways fee changes are effective starting Wednesday for travel on or after Oct. 7.

The carrier’s top-tier frequent fliers — those with Silver, Gold, Platinum or Chairman’s Preferred status — will be exempt from the fees.

So will Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, first-class passengers and active-duty military personnel.

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