You may want to warn delegates from packing too much for that upcoming convention, because the era of $450 baggage fees may have arrived, at least according to a report from USA Today.
For an overweight checked bag weighing 71-100 pounds, Continental Airlines is charging $400 on most international flights, according to a USA Today survey of what 13 carriers charge coach passengers, and American Airlines is charging $450 on its Asian flights. United Airlines charges $400 for checking bags weighing 71-99.9 pounds on flights to another continent.
Fees for a first checked bag have gone up to $43, with Spirit Airlines charging $38 on domestic routes and $43 on international service.
The survey has been conducted by USA Today for the past four years, with a goal of making fees transparent to travelers.
For the complete story, and to see a chart detailing charges on the major carriers, visit http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011-09-19/Airline-fees-reach-400-mark-USA-TODAY-survey-finds/50470156/1?csp=Travel.
