This article says, in part:

"FORT WORTH — American Airlines, hit hard by escalating fuel prices, said Wednesday passengers will be hit with fees to check any bag, starting with tickets purchased after June 15."


It's $15 for the first bag.

Good thing I never bring more than a carry on.

If you need to pack more, or pack a knife, or a gun, you're gonna pay more.

I HIGHLY suggest you get an eVest, its like a whole extra bag.

That's just going to encourage more people to bring everything they own as carryon luggage, and cramp up the cabin more, as well as slow down boarding and disembarking from the planes.

I have a strong dislike for the oversized carryons. I may need to get that vest.

I was thinking the same thing. Instead of trying to "hide" a price hike in the already expensive fuel surcharge or ticket price which people will just swallow but otherwise ignore, you're going to have all these people who think they're being smart by bringing everything but the kitchen sink on board with them.

Watch, you're going to have more annoying situations like all the overhead bins getting full earlier and earlier before a big chunk of the passengers have even boarded. I feel for those passengers that board just in time and there's no overhead space, but now it's going to be people who are plenty early at the gate, but just because they sit towards the rear, their overhead bins will all be taken. It's bad enough that the airlines are cutting back on flights so that each plane flies as full as possible. Now it's cabin space that is going to be at a premium.

Pack Small, your under-seat area is always YOURS. The eVest is great, great great for flying.

I have an eVest. It's great and I love it to death but be careful not to get carried away...If I went through airport security with all 40 pockets full of stuff not only would I weigh an extra 30 lbs but I'd miss my flight while removing every trinket and gizmo to explain what it is and that the wires running through the 'PAN' conduits are NOT part of a bomb or improvised terrorist device.

yet another reason to hate flying

I'm booked for 2 round trips (4 segments) this summer - I guess I better figure on spending $45 more each way (4 people, but can fit everything in 2-3 bags)

And watch… as soon as they lose some people’s luggage, they won’t even offer to refund the $15 per bag fee. Reliable service just because you’re paying extra for it?… Not in this lifetime!

Come Oct it may get interesting for us. We have a cruise booked, with a flight back "home," the entire thing already paid for. BUT, apparently the airline tickets have not actually been purchased yet by the cruiseline (who is making all travel arraingments)...

I keep thinking what we really need is a high-speed rail system. In parts of Europe the trains are faster than flying. Planes are faster when they get going but trains suffer far fewer delays.

EEK

We are planning a cruise for 09 and boy is it different than 2000!!!