Delta Doubles Fee for 2nd Checked Bag

Uh, somebody want to nudge Delta and tell them oil prices have been dropping this week? The headline on Delta’s announcement today that it is doubling the charge for a second checked bag, to $50, is: “Delta Responds to Record-High Fuel Prices by Increasing Some Domestic and International Baggage Fees.”

Here’s the Delta announcement:

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“ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines today announced increases to some of its domestic and international baggage fees to help offset the 70-80 percent increase in jet fuel prices in the last year. These changes will apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after July 31, 2008, for travel on or after Aug. 5, 2008.

As fuel costs remain at record levels, Delta believes revising the fee structure for excess bags and specialty items is essential to generate the necessary revenues to offset record fuel costs while continuing to offer these services to customers. Delta continues to offer all customers a complimentary first checked bag for domestic travel and two checked bags for international flights.

Fee changes effective in August include an increase to the service fee to check a second bag for domestic travel from $25 to $50; and fees for specialty items that require special handling such as surfboards or ski equipment will increase on domestic and international flights. First Class, BusinessElite and Medallion customers will continue to be able to check up to three bags at no charge. Customers checking bags on international flights may continue checking a first and second bag at no charge.”

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