One of the airline industry's profit leaders remains committed to avoiding baggage fees. In a play on its famous "Friends Fly Free" specials, Southwest advertises that "Bags Fly Free." While a travelers first two pieces of checked luggage are free, even Southwest has limits. Bags can weigh no more than 50 pounds; heavier bags will incur charges. The maximum size per checked piece of luggage is 62 inches (length + width + height). Fees can vary based on specific weight and sizes of the bags in question.
Every bag beyond two also comes with a cost. As of March, 2010 the third through ninth bag or item incurs a charge of $50 per piece. Any bag or item thereafter is charged at $110 per piece.
Jet Blue doesn't charge for the first bag and charges $30 for the second. The third and subsequent bags cost $75 each. Jet Blue possesses the same 50-pound and 62-inch limits as Southwest. For bags weighing more than 50 pounds, Jet Blue charges $50 (less than 70 lbs.) or $75 (less than 99 lbs.). Bags weighing 100 lbs. or more are not accepted. Oversize items (up to 80 inches) are charged $75; nothing larger than 80 inches is accepted.
Continental Airlines waives baggage fees for certain customers--but not all. Fees are waived for the first bag of Continental Airlines Chase primary card members. First and second bag charges are waived for members of various airline programs in addition to first class, international business, and Latin business class customers, and customers traveling on full-fare economy class (Y) tickets.
Active U.S. military personnel, U.S. military dependents traveling with U.S. military personnel on personal travel, and U.S. military dependents traveling on official business (with documentation) may check three bags within height and weight limits at no charge.
Additionally, Continental waives first and second bag fees for transatlantic service between the United States and Israel or India; transpacific service between the United States (excluding Hawaii) and Japan or China as well as customers traveling to and from Brazil.
Continental's standard baggage maximum is 50 lbs. Bags up to 70 lbs. are accepted for a $50 charge. Bags in excess of 70 pounds will not be accepted. Baggage exceeding 62 linear inches (total length + width + height) cost $100 per piece.
The third and subsequent bags cost $100 per bag.
