Nov 6, 2008 9:23 am US/Central
Delta To Start Charging For Checked Baggage
ATLANTA (CBS) ―
If you're planning on flying on Delta Air Lines over the holidays it's going to cost you more than just airfare, reports CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.
The world's largest carrier has announced that it will begin charging $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag when traveling domestically beginning December 5th.
The last of the six legacy airlines to impose such a fee, the Atlanta based airlines said the new fee, along with other actions it announced, will bring the air carrier's policies into alignment with those of Northwest Airlines which it acquired last week.
Customers who purchased tickets on or before November 5th, and who are traveling on or after December 5th, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but will be permitted to check their first bag without charge pursuant to Delta's previous policy.
All customers flying in First or Business Class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, will receive up to three checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members flying in Coach Class will receive up to two checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free.
U. S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders will continue to be able to check up to 10 pieces of luggage on Delta and Northwest-operated mainline flights or up to four pieces of luggage on Delta Connection flights, up to a maximum of 100 pounds each, free of charge.
Also on December 5th, Delta will stop charging a $3 curbside check-in administration fee for checking bags via a skycap.
Effective immediately, Delta will eliminate the $25-$100 fuel surcharges assessed for SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket travel originating from the U.S. and Canada. The surcharges were instituted earlier this year by both airlines in response to unprecedented fuel costs.
Just last week, Delta began offering customers the opportunity to purchase "Coach Choice Seats" on select Delta and Delta Connection flights when they use self-service check-in within 24 hours of their scheduled departure time. A service currently offered at Northwest, the program offers "Coach Choice Seats" for $5-$25 based on distance traveled and seat location.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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