American Airlines To Begin Charging $15 For First Checked Bag - AP

FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines will start charging $15 for the first checked bag, cut domestic flights and lay off possibly thousands of workers as it grapples with record-high fuel prices. Rival Delta has no current plans to match American's fee for the first checked bag, a spokeswoman said.

American, the nation's largest carrier, said Wednesday the fee for the first checked bag starts June 15 and that it would raise other fees for services ranging from reservation help to oversized bags. The other fees will mostly range from $5 to $50 per service, the airline said.

Last month American announced it would join other carriers in charging $25 for second bags checked for some passengers, but it wasn't immediately clear how Wednesday's announcement would affect that.

Its proposed fee for a first checked bag would exempt people who belong to elite levels of its frequent flyer programs, those who bought full-fare tickets and those traveling overseas.

(Ed. - emphasis added - also :eyes:)

EDIT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080521/ap_on_bi_ge/american_airlines_reductions

You know, that is a really intolerant idea. Are you suggesting embarrassing obese people in front of other passengers? That people from cultures where people are larger than others pay more? It also really buys into the idea of unhealthy thinness.

People as freight. It fits in so well with much of what is going on in our society.

to go see my family in the Southwest. Writing this, I realize I may never be able to fly again.

At any rate, I'll be hit by this - I've already got my e-tickets and I certainly am not one of the *elite*.