Which airline was the first to charge for baggage?

Not coincidentally, American was the first major carrier to start charging for a checked bag, back in 2008, when airlines were trying to come up with new revenue sources to counter high jet fuel prices and other effects of the Great Recession. And once a fee is assessed, it is almost never rescinded.



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Unsurprisingly, the first major US carrier that decided to go forward with this idea was ultra-low-cost Spirit Airlines. In this article, we'll explore Spirit's decision to begin charging for carry-on bags and where it has brought the industry today. Get all the latest aviation news for North America here.

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John Thomas is a mild-mannered airline consultant, a cheerful native of Australia with a ready laugh who is known for throwing great parties at his Needham home. So why do his friends want to stick pins into a voodoo doll of his likeness? Thomas, 54, is the guy who brought baggage fees to airlines in North America.

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United's new Basic Economy fares will charge for carry-on bags. PUBLISHED: November 16, 2016 at 10:07 a.m. | UPDATED: April 8, 2018 at 2:24 p.m. The skies aren't so friendly if you're on a budget. United announced Tuesday that it's charging its lowest-fare passengers to use the overhead bins.

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British Airways' checked baggage policy. You're typically allowed one checked bag for free on British Airways flights. However, your amount of free checked baggage may vary depending on your fare type.

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How to avoid paying checked baggage fees
  1. Know the fees. ...
  2. Use the right credit card. ...
  3. Book first or business class. ...
  4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it. ...
  5. Use a military discount. ...
  6. Check your bag at the gate. ...
  7. Pack light.


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Spirit Airlines, a U.S. carrier, stands out among the 80 airlines we analysed, having the highest percentage of hidden fees at 736% when compared with the original airfare.

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In a move which provoked criticism on social media, EasyJet said the changes to its luggage policy will start on 10 February. Customers who don't buy the more expensive tickets will be restricted to putting a small carry-on bag under their seat. EasyJet said the changes would improve punctuality.

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Ryanair was Europe's first discount airline and benefited greatly from the emergence of “open skies” deregulation across that continent.

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Our low fares include one small cabin bag free of charge. Your bag can weigh up to 15kg, but we do ask that you're able to lift and carry it yourself. Fees vary depending on the route selected, flight and time of booking.

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It's rare to find U.S. airlines with free checked baggage. Southwest Airlines is the only airline without any bag fees. For other airlines, you'll need to earn elite status or book your tickets with an airline credit card.

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Starting in 2003, many United States air carriers began eliminating free meal services in economy classes on North American flights and replacing them with buy on board services. In the 2000s US Airways (now part of American Airlines) briefly charged for soft drinks but then reversed course.

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In fact, they're a fairly recent development as airlines have turned to ancillary fees as a way to generate more revenue from flyers. While checked baggage fees have largely been deemed a success for the airlines' bottom line, of course, they come at the expense of the passenger's wallet.

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