Sadly, airlines have done away with complimentary pillows and blankets as well as free sandwiches and meals during flights in order to cut back on costs to companies. Â The disappearance of once complimentary services began around May 2008, as American Airlines promoted our downhill descent into now-routine baggage fees by imposing a new “checked-bag” fee.
At the beginning of these fee hikes, we saw $15 one way checked-bag fees; this has slowly increased to $25 and even $35 for some airlines.  These fees were said to be based on the fact that airlines needed to recoup some of their losses for increased jet fuel prices.  Airlines have used continued with this explanation for some time, stating that additional flight-related fees are necessary for them to recoup revenue due to increased jet fuel prices.
Unfortunately, these costs are passed on to us as the consumer in the form of carry-on and checked baggage fees.  As airlines struggle to remain profitable, customers can expect to pay these fees (along with others); however, knowing baggage fees for airlines can help cost-save when planning family vacations.  While some airlines still do not charge for baggage fees (Southwest Airlines is one of our favorites for this reason),  others only allow fliers to circumvent fees through select credit card memberships or status on an airline.
For those considering a flight in the near future, current airline baggage fees are listed below:
Air Canada (AC) |
United States to Canada
1st Bag: $25 |
Alaska Airlines (AS) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
Allegiant Air (G4) |
Domestic: United States
Carry-on Fees: $15 – $50 |
American Airlines (AA) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
Delta Airlines (DL) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
Frontier Airlines (F9) |
Domestic: United States
Carry-On Fees: $30 – $60 |
Hawaiian Airlines (HA) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
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 JetBlue Airways (B6) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
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 Southwest Airlines (WN) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: Free |
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Spirit Airlines (NK) |
Domestic: United States
Carry-on Fees: $35 – $100 |
United Airlines (UA) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
  Virgin America (VX) |
Domestic: United States
1st Bag: $25 |
Baggage fees are one of the first but definitely not the last in airline conveniences that are disappearing every day. Â Slowly we are seeing more airlines reduce the leg room space by inches, making it even more uncomfortable (especially for 6-foot 5-inch gentlemen like myself) to fly, all so they can squeeze in one extra seat to made a few additional dollars. Â I myself am counting down the days until they start charging for overhead bin space, and the floor space beneath the seat in front of you.
Hopefully you and your family are able to use this list to help decide what airline is right for you on your next getaway, possibly saving you some money along the way.