The Luggage Blog

Delta Airlines has announced it will charge a $50 fee for checking a second bag on international flights. This new fee will apply to all new bookings as of Tuesday for international travel July 1 or later. Business class, elite frequent fliers, active duty military traveling on orders and full-fare Y-class passengers won’t have to pay the fee. Delta already charges fees to check bags on domestic flights.

In the wake of this, Southwest still holds strong on refusing to charge any fees for checked baggage, stating that they don’t want to be another airline that nickels and dimes their customers.

Click here for an updated chart on checked airlines baggage fees, courtesy of Dan’s Deals.

We also have an airline baggage fee chart on LuggageOnline.com.

Source- here, here & here.

As if we need another reason to love Southwest Airlines, Forbes just named Southwest America’s Most Reliable Airline.  Forbes points out that one would usually assume that the cheapest fare come with a price… but Southwest proves that low fares don’t have to mean poor service.  So not only are they the only airline that’s not charging you to breathe, they’ve risen to the top when it comes to quality service.  Forbes measured each airline based on delays, arrivals and of course, mishandled luggage complaints.  Over the last 5 years Southwest rose to the top with on-time flights more than 80% of the time and a low cancellation rate of 0.65%.  Congrats Southwest and keep it up!

Picture by GirlieErin

Aside from airline fees, one of the top complaints traveler’s have lately is the amount of time it takes to get through security.  The TSA has tried to address this issue by implementing self-regulated lanes designed for different types of travelers.  The only downside to system where each passenger decides their level of expertise is that people may tend to chose whatever line they think will be quickest, regardless of how often they travel… leaving the people who actually DO travel often stuck waiting behind someone less prepared (as usual).

A few airlines are taking matters into their own hands and plan to provide special priority lines to their frequent travelers.  American Airlines announced last week that they’re starting their Priority Access, giving their top customers dedicated security and boarding lines to speed up their trip.  Today Southwest Airlines announced Fly By,  which will provide a priority security lane to Business Select and Rapid Reward A-List customers.  Both programs are said to begin sometime in late October.  This sounds like great news for frequent travelers who are sick of getting held up in long lines.  While we’re not sure how TSA policies play into this, we suspect you’ll still have to remove your shoes.  But at least the people in line with you know the drill and are probably wearing slip-ons.

Southwest Airlines Introduces Priority Security Lanes at Select Airports
American Airlines Adds Airport Perks for Top Travelers

Photo by Ingorr

If your planning on traveling with Southwest Airlines anytime soon, you will no longer need cash in your pockets for alcoholic beverages.  As of Sept 9th, Southwest will not accept cash for drinks.  They will accept major credit cards, debit cards, their Rapid Rewards Card and drink coupons!

Some may love this and others may not….but don’t worry if you don’t have a credit card, you can still get a FREE soft drink!  Don’t forget, Southwest is one of the few airlines still offering free drinks and snacks and that is why we love Southwest!  In my opinion it actually makes it a little easier since you don’t have to worry about having exact change for your beverage, you can just put it on your card!

Source photo by Cubbie_n_Vegas

We like Southwest because they don’t charge a ton of fees.  We like them even better when they have sales.  Check it: Save up to $100 when you book a flight + hotel of 3 nights or more to any Harrah’s Entertainment Resort Properties!

Good news from the airlines today?  The only airline we’re hearing good news from is Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, flies over 104 million passengers a year to 64 great cities all across the country.

I myself, look to Southwest before looking to any other airline today.  They make travel so simple.  Actually, I call them the “airbus” of the airline industry.  You buy the ticket, get in line, and board the plane/bus.  Simplicity at it’s finest!  What is everyone else doing???

Not to mention, they’re probably the ONLY airline still offering the 1st AND 2nd checked bag for FREE!!!  Yep, have you heard that word lately from any other airline, FREE!  Wait, it doesn’t end there.  They also still offer a FREE snack, and even FREE non-alcoholic beverages. WOW!

I  happen to think their marketing campaign is brilliant.  They’re capitalizing on the known fact that ALL OTHER airlines are charging their passengers for EVERYTHING they possibly can.  I’m flying with Southwest since they’re the only airline not doing this!

Sharon Laudenbach “loyal Southwest Airline traveler”

Picture by GirlieErin