Planes Packed as Air Travel Soars in July

At least for an overweight international bag on some airlines

(NEWSER) - How crazy have airline baggage fees gotten? Well, checking an overweight (that's a 71- to 100-pound) bag will now cost you a whopping $400 on most Continental Airlines international flights. And Continental isn’t alone either, according to a survey of major carriers by USA Today ; United Airlines also charges $400 for such a bag on any flights to other continents, and American Airlines charges $450 if that bag is headed to Asia. More»

American, Delta, United, US Airways, JetBlue make a deal

(AP) - Five major carriers agreed today not to follow the lead of a small Florida airline that plans to charge for carry-on bags. Their commitment comes just in time to keep travelers from running for the exits during the peak summer flying season, but it is doubtful that it marks a change in strategy. The promise to Sen. Charles Schumer from American, Delta, JetBlue, United, and US Airways comes even though some of the carriers are expected to report first-quarter losses next week. 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)

Several major airlines lay groundwork for in-flight service next year

(NEWSER) - Several major airlines plan to roll out in-flight Internet service next year, USA Today reports. Carriers have been promising in-flight surfing for years, and now American, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Southwest are working with tech companies to deliver the midair surfing. The travel slump following 9/11 delayed the introduction of the service, which may not be widely available until 2009. More»

Bargain-basement US carriers prepare to rock the industry

(NEWSER) - Frequent fliers will soon be reminiscing about the small luxuries a $200 airline ticket bought: like free Diet Coke. A new wave of start-up airlines is selling ultra-affordable flights as low as $10. But prepare to plunk down for seat assignments, checked baggage—and even peanuts. More»