For $249 Annual Fee, United Will Waive Bag Charges

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»

It can cost up to $45 each way to store a bag overhead

(NEWSER) - Another first in airline fees: Spirit Airlines is going to charge for most carry-on bags. If it's bigger than 16” by 14” by 12”, prepare to pay $45 each way. USA Today surmises that the airline is the first in the US and perhaps the world to charge for carry-ons, which the Florida-based company says will “ultimately improve the overall customer experience.” Plus, you can join a club and pare that fee down to a middling $20. More»

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»

Airline with no assigned seats starts charging for first dibs

(NEWSER) - Southwest Airlines doesn’t assign seats, but now it will start charging for the privilege of finding the best one, the Dallas Morning News reports. For an extra $10, the new “EarlyBird Check-in” allows passengers to board first, or at least right after the Business Select and Rapid Rewards A-List customers. More»

(NEWSER) - United Airlines’ dismal service and financial stature may soon send it to Chapter 11, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a “teachable moment,” Shaun Rein writes in Forbes. Herewith, three lessons:

• Loyal customers return: "Consumers are more price sensitive in this economy, and they are trading down, but it's still a great time to capture loyalty," Rein writes. "People don't want to waste money on brands that fail to meet their expectations."