"You can't take it with you." This often-quoted phrase, referring to the afterlife, now applies to airline travel.

It will start to cost in a big way when travelers bring along (on domestic flights) more than they can fit in a carry-on bag.

The move by American Airlines to charge passengers $15 for a first checked bag and $25 for a second, sent a small shock wave through the travel world. But as airlines struggle to earn a profit, most are likely to match the first bag charge (all have matched the $25 second bag charge).

Your first piece of checked luggage with AirTran is free, with $10 charged for a second piece. The only airline with no plans to charge its passengers for checked luggage is Southwest Airlines (nearest flight service is Birmingham).

American Airlines will begin to collect on a first checked piece of luggage on June 15.

Exempt from extra baggage fees will be passengers traveling on full-fare tickets, those with elite frequent flier status and military members traveling "with orders."

Not yet a household name in America, Ryanair is Europe's most popular and most profitable low-fare airline. The Ireland-based airline offers customers free flights (you pay taxes and airport fees). But watch out for its "extras." Most of the newer fee-based categories we are experiencing in the States have been inspired by this successful model.

For instance, fees to change a ticket are up to $150. JetBlue recently increased its change fee to $100, and in late April, United raise the charge to change from $100 to $150. US Airways matches the United fee. Change fees on international tickets are $200 with most carriers.

If you prefer an aisle, a window seat or an exit row seat on a domestic flight, get ready to pay up. US Airways leads this category with a minimum $5 per flight charged for desired seating in the first several rows of its aircraft. This Choice Seats program is offered to customers using online check-in, but the airline plans to offer the option at airports this year.

AirTran charges a $6 per- passenger fee for advance seat selection, with fees of $20 for an exit row seat. The fee is waived for business class travelers and those with full-fare tickets (Y, B or M class).

Ryanair does not accept cargo or cabin pets nor does it offer assistance to unaccompanied minors. Passengers experience a bit of déjà vu once on board — the flight attendants do double-duty as the counter check-in and boarding staff.

Here are some other categories where Ryanair collects extra fees:

• $50 each way to check music or sports equipment with advance notice; about $65 at the airport.

• Fees averaging $20 to check a second piece of infant equipment such as a car or booster seat (one piece is free, such as a stroller).

• The cost for a lap-carried infant (up to 2 years old) is about $40 one way.

• Using a credit card to purchase a ticket costs an additional $6 per flight; from $3 for debit card use. (How else is a passenger to pay online?)

• Charges of up to 75 cents per minute to speak with a human representative of the airline.

On board, Ryanair sells its passengers water, soft drinks, snacks, sandwiches, cocktails, toys, jewelry, liquor, perfume, lottery tickets, travel insurance and cell phone minutes.

If fuel prices continue to soar, this scenario could be played out in the States in the not-so-distant future.