A collective groan rose from travelers this week when Delta Air Lines announced it will charge travelers $25 to check a second bag starting May 1.

Fliers at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this week called the new fee an annoyance, a tragedy and (collective sigh) understandable, given the price of oil.

The fee won't apply to all travelers: first class, business class and Delta SkyMiles Platinum members can check a second bag fee-free. Delta isn't the first to make the change, either. United and US Airways already announced similar charges. Delta fees for three or more bags and overweight luggage will remain the same.

The one-bag-free limits are a clarion call for travelers to pack less from home and focus more on their destination, said David Lytle, editorial director of Frommers.com. Vacationers ought to remember that most destinations have stores, just like home.

"It's less to bring back with you, less to worry about," Lytle said.

But will people pay the fee, or change the way they pack?

The answer depends on the traveler.

Business (mixed with pleasure) travelers

Jeff Gerling and Jon Reese of New Hartford, N.Y., each towed suitcases and golf clubs through the airport on Tuesday. They're in Atlanta on business, but planned to take off to play a few rounds today. They travel for work only a few times a year, but didn't think they could put golf clubs on the company tab too often.

Leaving the clubs at home, though, isn't an option.

"Then we'd have to drive," Reese said.

• Will they pay? If the company pays.

• Their best packing advice: Smash everything in. Use a good carry-on.

Semi-retired recreation travelers

Gary and Linda Vinagre propped their feet on a pile of duffel bags while they stood by for a flight to South America. They're experienced packers. If the Sun Valley, Idaho, couple brings more than one bag each, it's a necessity. For a full month of fishing and visiting in Argentina, they planned to check three. They had to — Linda's second bag held her fishing gear.

• Will they pay? If they're bringing special equipment, like golf clubs or fishing gear.

• Their best packing advice: Black pants, black shirts, interchangeable clothes and a suitcase organizer that compresses clothes.

Family travelers

Traveling used to be easy for Elaine and Josh Lamoreaux of Phoenix. Now that 15-month-old Maya comes along — like on their recent trip to visit family in Atlanta — their bags are loaded with toys, diapers, books and snacks.

They might consider buying some items at their destination, or borrowing bulky items like play pens. Delta says car seats won't be counted as a second bag, but the Lamoreauxes expect they'll be traveling heavy for another 17 years or so.

• Will they pay? Until their little one grows up and checks her own.

• Their best packing advice: Pack days before, not hours before.

Casual travelers

Some travelers said they won't be going anywhere that requires more than one bag.

"Forget it," Boston's Jackie Ollivierre said while she waited for a friend at the airport. "We'll stay small. Who cares if you wear the same thing every day? You're traveling."

Toya Dominick planned to overpack for a trip to New Orleans in May, but with the extra fee tacked on, she said she'll plan differently.

"I could try to minimize clothes, take only what I really need," she said. "These shoes can go with five outfits."

• Will they pay? Not if they can avoid it — and they're sure they can.

• Their best packing advice: Pack lightweight, rolled clothes. Ship gifts instead of packing them.

Rock star travelers

Joie Calio and Jon Skibic arrived in Atlanta Tuesday for the last stop on a three-week tour for their band, X Levitation Cult. They hauled nine pieces of jam-packed, space-bagged luggage and carry-ons between them, including three acoustic guitars. Piling on more fees is unrealistic for musicians' budgets, they said. They'd rather see higher ticket prices now than have to pay more extra baggage fees on all future flights.

"We're sitting ducks," Calio said. "This is business travel for us. We would have to sell how many extra T-shirts to pay for it?"

• Will they pay? If they must fly, their equipment requires it.

• Their best packing advice: Find a bus, "the greatest thing in rock history," Calio said, fill it, and hit the road.