Has a precedent been set?
That’s the fear among air travelers in what is generally considered a copycat, some might say incestuous, business.
Alaska Airlines has raised its baggage fees, leading many to wonder if other U.S. airlines will follow suit.
Baggage costs for travelers are just one of the many ancillary fees that airlines impose that annoy air travelers.
Alaska has raised its fee from $30 to $35 for a checked bag for economy passengers without any mileage status or upgrades from a credit card. A second bag will jump from $40 to $45 while anything beyond that will remain at $150.
The new baggage fees go into effect on January 2, 2024.
“As we navigate rising operating costs — including high fuel prices — we occasionally need to adjust our fee structure to maintain a high level of excellence in the service we provide,” Alaska Air Group said.
Alaska hasn’t raised baggage fees in almost six years.
Frequent travelers who were previously entitled to a free checked bag will still receive that benefit. Those with credit cards affiliated with Alaska should check with the carrier because they may be entitled to up to three free bags depending on their status.
Whether other airlines raise their fees remains to be seen. However, most airlines are well-practiced in finding new ancillary fees.
