US Airways Hikes Bag Fees by $5

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

US Airways passengers will soon have to pay an extra $5 to check their bags. The first checked bag will cost $20 when checked online in advance, or $25 when checked at the airport. The second checked bag will cost $30 and $35, respectively. The new fee is effective for tickets purchased on or after August 26 for travel on or after October 7.

The move is essentially a match of American’s recent hike, which upped fees to $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second. American doesn’t have an online option and therefore doesn’t have the second price point.

US Airways also matched new fees from American and Delta for the second checked bag on international flights. US Airways customers will now pay $50 online and $55 at the airport for transatlantic travel. Continental has added this fee as well.

With two of the country’s legacy lines charging a minimum of $20 for the first checked bag, it’s only a matter of time before others (I’m looking at you, United) follow suit. It may not happen soon, but my sense is it will happen. What I want to know is: When will it end?

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.