It doesn't work that way on AA. People asked to check a bag because it either won't fit or there's no room in overhead the space don't pay a fee.

Will they take the time to run through the paperwork if I ask to declare excess valuation? That's what I have done in the past--actually, aside from one recent event in Switzerland, it's been well over eight years since I have had to do it--as the bag isn't oversized and the agent is keen to get the flight off on time, so I have always gotten to bring it on board.

Oh no. So what's next? Will they have to stop cleaning the planes; spray the bathrooms with sewage and train the GAs and FAs to treat passengers like the warm up team for the Jerry Springer Show?

a bunch of folks have said this and it makes no sense, unless you are buying full Ys all the time. Being Plat means getting upgraded, being gold means no upgrade on many flights... Never get past the plats.

I actually find the checked bag fee to be a pain. the only result appears to be that on full flights you leave late due to gate checking bags. Also forces me to board early... Seems to impead the efficent opporation of the airline.

hugh on 500 miles? only on the CO forum

Nearly every airline has the same bonus level for mid and top tier. CO was unique in giving an extra bump.

Let's see . . . You're for elimination of the 500-mile minimum. Opposed to free booze in the Presidents Clubs. What can CO do to complete the hat trick of potential moves that warm your heart? Roll out 28-inch seat pitch in first classs?

Nice of CO to make this announcement on a Friday afternoon. Maybe on a weekend they thought we'd be slow to "notice"...

So, CO Insider... Are you guys finally going to show actual miles on your PDF timetable instead of "500 miles" for the shorthaul routes?

Thanks CO Insider! Last night at dinner this was a topic of conversation and I thought then I needed to ask what would happen if I booked non-elites with me on the same PNR and then split it to process upgrades. I'm glad to hear that the free first bag will still apply to the non-elite traveler(s). One question though � will this be automatically handled by CO's systems, or are we going to need to be prepared to argue our case with the ticket counter agents?

Thanks for at least some good news!

Great idea! @:-)

I'll try to keep that in mind, should that ever happen to me. Which is one reason I'm copying it here. Scott, has consideration been given to granting EliteAccess to Presidents Club Life Members?

Continental's ads were always neat because they promoted the "we're different" from other airlines approach. Now, the ads will have to change to "we're the same". It's sad, and I can't even drown my sorrows in a glass of ice cream anymore.

Probably because everyone was celebrating in Las Vegas in August. I can totally picture the band playing upbeat music on the Titanic.

<chuckles> That would have been quite the site.

Someone did ask the question about the first bag fee at the OP Q/A session in LAS and the response from Compton was words to the effect:(that's what I recall, please feel free to correct me if I left something out or misrepresented what was said)

I dont know what the Plats are complaining about. A measly 25% reduction in bonus miles ?

Gold and Silver have been the most severely affected. $150 award redeposit or award ticket change fees is the biggest increase in fees of all the things they have changed. For Gold and Silvers, it becomes difficult to book tickets 4 months in advance, since your dates could change.

Glad to hear it.

I think folks are getting a little too excited here.

The first baggage fee is in line with other major carriers - AA and UA. CO needs to charge it to be competitive. $30 roundtrip is significant.

The 500 min. only applies to EQM. CO currently only gives bonus miles based on the actual miles. Maybe some with lots of less than 500 min. flights can earn it on points. Remember if you are buying expensive Y tickets you get 2 points for that segment.

Yes - I hate to see the loss of 25% - but others AA and UA only give 100% to top tiers. But the real catcher here is that the others offer SWU - and CO Insider has indicated that CO does not play to offer.

I think CO's plan to align with UA - but then not offer SWU is the biggest hit here.