American Airlines Joins the $25 Bag Parade

It's pretty much a sure bet that any flight you take will be a complete zoo now that most airlines are charging $25 to check a second bag:

FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines on Monday became the latest carrier to announce that it would require passengers to pack light, or pay up.

The nation's biggest airline said it must charge passengers $25 for checking a second bag to help offset rising fuel costs.

The fee will apply to travelers who buy domestic economy-class tickets on or after May 12, American said. It will also affect passengers on the American Eagle commuter line.

This year, American, the nation's No. 2 carrier, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways have all announced charges for something that has been free since commercial airlines began flying.

Overhead space on airliners will be crammed with roller bags and other personal items. Getting on and off the plane will take much longer and there will be increased frustration when people can't find a place for their bags. If they have to gate check them, will they charge you $25?

In 1999 my quartet flew to Texas and checked 12 items among the four of us, and some of them weighed close to the 70 pound limit. We didn't pay one dime extra. If we were to try that after May 12th we've have more than $200 in extra bag charges plus overweight charges on some of the items.

Air travel is really starting to stink.