Southwest Airlines
During the last week of January 2008, Southwest Airlines (SWA) implemented a new baggage policy. The free baggage allowance for each ticketed customer will change from three to two bags. The first and second bag you check (up to 50lbs) are FREE. The third bag (also up to 50 lbs) will be $25.00. Oversized and overweight bags may be subject to extra charges. The maximum dimensions will remain the same, where the luggage should not exceed sixty-two (62) inches when you add the length + width + height. SWA does not accept items over 100lbs.

Customers will still be permitted to substitute certain sporting equipment free of charge in place of one of the two free bags. For example, ski equipment can be used for a free bag, SWA allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. (Overweight charges may still apply.)

Customers may substitute up to two baby items, such as car seats and strollers, in exchange for one checked bag. In real-life terms, a family of four (including two small children over the age of two) may check two sets of golf clubs, two strollers, two car seats, and four pieces of luggage (under 50 pounds each) all for free.

United Airlines
On 4 February 2008, United Airlines announced that beginning May 5, 2008 it will charge passengers $25 to check a second bag on all domestic flights. The only people that will get out of the new policy are those passengers who are members of the airline's Mileage Plus and Star Alliance frequent flier plans. But even those who are members can't expect to go hassle free; passengers will only be allowed the special " two bags for free " treatment if they have Premier Status or above with Mileage Plus or Silver Status and above with Star Alliance.

The charge is an attempt to deal with rising fuel costs without raising ticket prices; the $25 charge is expected to generate $100 million in revenue and cost savings per year.

US Airways
On 27 February 2008, US Airways announced a change to their baggage policy. Beginning May 5, 2008, they'll charge $25 for a second checked bag. The new fee applies to travel on or after May 5 for tickets purchased on or after February 26, 2008.

They're making these changes to offset record fuel prices and rising airline related expenses. They say they simply must make changes to the way they do business to provide all of you with the high level of service that you've come to expect from US Airways. Also, they're doing all they can to keep fares low. With this policy change, they're able to give you the choice to avoid the fee and pack fewer items. With fewer bags to process, they save both money and fuel and can pass that savings on to you.

Dividend Miles Preferred members are exempt from the fee, and they're also waiving the fee for:

• Confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers
• Passengers with Star Alliance Silver or Gold status
• Active military personnel in uniform and with ID
• Unaccompanied minors
• Passengers checking personal assistive devices

Spirit Airlines
Spirit has been charging $5 each way for checked bags and increased the fee 20 February 2008. Passengers who reserve checked luggage online will now pay $10 each way per bag (2 bag maximum), and those who do not will be charged $20 per bag each way. Spirit describes the fee as environmentally friendly because the aircraft will be lighter and use less fuel if fewer bags are checked.

WARNING! Other airlines are expected to institute similar policies. Make sure you check with your airline so that you comply with their policies.