Airline Baggage Fees -- today, picking the right airfare may not be the overall cheapest airfare, especially if you are checking bags.

• One of the biggest fees is for oversized checked luggage. This can be up to $175, even if your bag has only 25 pounds of clothing.
• The current baggage fees apply only for travel within the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Travelers flying to other international destinations can still check two bags for free.
• Passengers who purchase full fare unrestricted coach, business class or first class tickets can also check two bags for free. Military passengers flying on active duty orders may also still check two bags for free.
• If you are an elite member of a frequent flyer program on one of the major airlines, you can still check two bags for free on that carrier. Some airlines also allow passengers who are listed under the same reservation as an elite member to check up to two bags for free. Be sure to check the contract of carriage for your airline for their policies.
• Continental Airlines is the only major U.S. airline that lets their One Pass Elite members (and military travelers flying on active duty orders) flying in economy class to check two bags weighing 70 lbs each for free. All other airlines charge extra for bags weighing over 50 lbs. Continental's business class and first class passengers may check up to three bags weighing up to 70 lbs for free.
• Virgin America is only U.S. airline that permits your first bag for free that weighs up to 70 lbs. For all other airlines, the cutoff point is 50 lbs for the first bag.

These are just a few of many fees the airlines have unveiled since February 2008. It's always best to contact your airline or check the contract of carriage on their website for any last-minute

Please note that fees and policies are subject to change at any time. Always check with your airline for the most current fees and policies, prior to departing.

Fees as of 05/01/09