Posted on 07/21/2009 8:00:21 AM PDT by rawhide
Delta Air Lines has added a $5 surcharge for paying checked baggage fees at the airport instead of online, matching moves by some other airlines.
Atlanta-based Delta already charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag on domestic flights.
But starting Aug. 4, Delta will start charging those who pay for checked bags at airport ticket counters, kiosks and curbs $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second checked bag, for tickets purchased July 15 or later.
The fees for paying for checked bags online remain the same.
(Excerpt) Read more at ajc.com ...
This, and that they REFUSE to enforce their own carry-on restrictions.
People are dragging on duffle-bags of crap that should be checked, and taking overhead space needed by those that follow the rules.
What a gyp. I would never pay for a checked bag. I’d bring less and put it in a carry on if it came to it.
I’m fresh out of nickels and dimes.
That’s okay. Delta only take dollars now, lots of them.
What is that?
I think I see my suitcase in there that I lost in 1987?
Great pic!
We’ve discovered it’s often cheaper to ship our bags via UPS, since we are a large family. The best part is that when you deplane, you leave the airport. No riding herd in the baggage claim area trying to get the bags and keep them off the carousel.
We did this on a driving vacation to Texas as well. Lots more room in the van for the 4 kids and two dogs that way.
“they REFUSE to enforce their own carry-on restrictions.”
That is one of my pet peeves. My family and I have simply quit flying commercially. It’s not the cost, it’s the aggravation. We used to fly home (1100 miles) a couple times a year. I was wore out and PO’d when I arrived. Delays, lost reservations at the airline and car rental, rude, obnoxious employees and people. No thanks - I’ll drive it. It’s an easy 2 day drive - I can sleep in nice room and have a decent meal. 30 years ago flying was a true joy. Now, I’d almost rather have a root canal.-—JM
I sometimes do that when I travel to Texas.
I always put a little extra in my carry-on, just in case.
My friend comes up to NY from Florida 3 or 4 times a year. She set up a dresser the last time. She now comes with the clothes on her back....and her big purse of course.
The airlines I’ve flown don’t charge for gate-checked bags. So, you schlep the giant stuff to the gate and hope the attendant will tell you it’s too large for carryon. Voila, free checked luggage.
Sometimes, they let you take the giant bag on board and try to stuff it in the overhead.
This may kill the Skycaps that handle curb service. If they figure out their tips are going into management’s pocket, watch out.
The carry-on situation is nuts, none of the gate people have the balls to stop the jerks from taking on huge bags, duffles, and backpacks.
In Feb we went to St Thomas and a bunch of teenage kids going to some other island all had enormous backpacks. They were literally standing on the seats trying to stuff them into the overhead bins.
It's not just Delta. Most of them are saying we don't want your business. Like Continental today announcing they are cutting more jobs, because nobody is traveling. Gee I wonder why? Could it be that air travel has become one of the most unpleasant experiences you can have. Starting with TSA treating you like you are a criminal, to late and missed flights with no other flight options that day, and your lost or damaged luggage almost 50% of the time. I think most people feel they can live without air travel.
“ship our bags via UPS....”
My folks do that when they fly out. No hassles, Mama brings her pocketbook and Daddy packs a small carry-on with a change of clothes and a few basics. Sometimes it’s cheaper, sometimes it’s not - but Daddy says it’s money well spent if he can avoid the aggravation.-—JM
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