Jul 9, 2008 8:13 am US/Eastern
U.S. Airways Adding More Fees To Flights
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
If you flying the friendly skies, prepare to pack lightly as a major airline is going to begin charging for all checked luggage starting today.
U.S. Airways announced they will begin charging $15 for the first piece of luggage checked by passengers on all flights from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and within the United States. The fee comes in addition to recent charges of $25 for a second checked bag.
Passengers who purchased their ticket prior to July 9th will not be subject to the new fee of $15.
The changes are part of a number of alterations the airline is making to cut costs in the waking of rising fuel prices.
Passengers riding in coach already face charges to get in-flight refreshment, as previously complimentary sodas and juices now cost $2 and alcoholic beverages have jumped to $7.
And if you are hoping to catch an in-flight movie, you better pack it yourself as U.S. Airways is dropping their video systems beginning in the fall. Officials said fewer passengers are shelling out $5 for headsets and the video units add approximately 550 pounds to the flight.
By losing the weight, U.S. Airways estimates it will save about $10 million a year in fuel costs, studio fees and more.
Even those loyal to the airline are not safe from the economic crunch. Starting August 6, those booking tickets with frequent flyer miles will face a fee of $25-50.
U.S. Airways has also announced they will be eliminating all skycaps at airports across the country, including the Philadelphia International Airport. Workers were notified their positions would be replaced with unionized workers beginning July 31.
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