AA Should Bag Boneheaded Luggage Fee

Airlines lost 1.3M fewer bags last year as new fees convinced passengers to carry on

(NEWSER) - Through their relentless fees, airlines have managed to put the task of transporting often-lost luggage in much safer hands. Last year—as passengers carried aboard the baggage they previously checked for free—airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags than in 2007, the Chicago Tribune reports. The 33% improvement was most noticeable in the fall, when most of the recession-hit carriers adopted service fees. More»

Flyer: American refused to return $25 luggage fee

(NEWSER) - Airlines that lose people's bags shouldn't be charging them for the service, says an angry passenger suing American Airlines. Danielle Covarrubias has launched a $5 million class action suit against the airline, complaining that after it lost her bag containing $800 in possessions managers refused to refund her $25 baggage fee, ABC News reports. More»

Carrier joins American; industry passing oil costs to consumer

(AP) - United Airlines will follow rival American Airlines in charging $15 for a first checked bag. The new fee was announced today, 3 weeks after American set the precedent. United says the fee affects customers who buy tickets beginning tomorrow for domestic flights Aug. 18 or later. More»

Everyone has their travel hell story, but which airlines are the true villains?

(NEWSER) - Lost luggage, canceled flights and appalling delays seem to be par for the course in air travel these days. But some airlines are worse than others. Forbes provides the hit list:

1. Atlantic Southeast Airlines
2. Comair (a division of Delta Air Lines)
3. American Eagle Airlines (a division of American Airlines)

Passengers must pony up to bundle up on long domestic flights

(NEWSER) - Bundle up, air travelers: Blankets cost extra now, too. American Airlines will begin charging coach passengers $8 for a blanket on long domestic flights and some international routes. On flights of 2 hours or less, no blankets will be available, no matter how much money you throw around. On the upside, chilly passengers who pay up get a $10 coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond stores. More»