American Airlines and United Airlines are now charging to check bags on their flights and company officials say they are going to keep a closer watch on how much carry-on baggage people take on board to avoid the fees.
The airlines point out that carry-on policy comes from the Federal Aviation Administration, not the industry, and they have an obligation to keep people from sneaking bulky bags onto planes. Not only is it unfair to the honest, fee-paying traveller but it would also overload overhead bins and force gate crews to delay takeoffs while they checked excess bags, they say.
But the added scrutiny means something else as well. Every passenger - even those not used to checking bags - is going to have to start following the rules.
People who are accustomed to boarding with a large roller case might find themselves handing $15 (about R145) to an airline employee before they get through security.
American Airlines, the largest US carrier, was the first to announce the fees. It started charging $15 each way for the first bag on tickets bought on June 15 or later.
US Airways Group will match that fee for tickets booked on or after July 9. United Airlines will follow later with the same bag fee for domestic flights as of August 18.
The three airlines say they are responding to tremendous pressure to cover sky-high fuel prices.
Other carriers are watching how passengers react to the new bag fees. Continental Airlines has hinted that they might add a bag charge if customers are not scared off.
US Airways flight attendant and union leader Mike Flores said the fees are going to frustrate a lot of people. "Passengers are not going to be happy when they see people checking their bags at the gate for free, he said. They really haven't thought this thing out."
"But the new fees may finally force a lot of people to start following the federal carry-on guidelines, said Laura Glading, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. - Sapa-AP