I think it's unanimous - not many of us like the 1st bag fee that most airlines are now imposing. The 2nd bag fee is annoying, but somewhat reasonable... however, many people need to check at least one bag, and it's unfair to stiff them with the first bag fee. That's my opinion, anyway. I know maybe many of you are frequent flyers, and therefore exempt from the fees, but c'mon... it's just plain stupid. Especially with all the security restrictions in place.

So, how would we be able to effectively change the airlines' position on the 1st bag fee and get them to either waive or at least reduce greatly the 1st bag fee? (e.g: offer a discount online)

Thanks for your suggestions!

Most? FR and BE are the only two I've been on that do!

Personally, I always travel light, and am quite happy to get a discount for doing so. The abolition of check-in fees will only result in the fares rising elsewhere.

Fly on airlines that do not have a fee for the first bag.

IMO charging a checked-bag fee while TSA maintains it's asinine war-on-water is disgusting and shameful. Many people need to carry liquids/gels in quantities greater than those allowed by TSA's idiotic rules, and the airlines are exploiting those restrictions to extort money out of pax. If airlines want to charge a checked-bag fee, let's see evidence of them lobbying TSA to abolish the war-on-water first.

My suggestion--insist on paying the checked bag fee in coins. They may not take all pennies, but a mix of dollar coins, quarters, dimes, and nickles should still be plenty annoying.

That's my suggestion too. It's possible we may see a reversal in the fees next year if 1) the economy starts to look up and 2) the airlines realize what a hassle it is to gate check the increased number of bags not fitting in the overheads because passengers aren't willing to pay the fee.

I've only flown one that did (Sterling), and it went bankrupt within six months!!

I'm ok with the 1st checked bag fee because I never check a bag. Even though I'm exempt it's just easier not to. I don't like the idea of paying the checked bag fee in coins because all it does is punish the TAs, who have nothing to do with the fees, rather than the company itself.

Supposedly the liquid ban is supposeed to be lifted at some point next year. I've heard that new technology is going to allow the TSA to differentiate between "good" liquids and "bad" liquids. Let's hope.

I know many years ago, I actually did pay a vendor all in pennies (I did have them rolled from the bank) as a sign of protest. It did cause them to come back & settle a few things with me. Now to my question. A penny is LEGAL TENDER the same as a TWENTY DOLLAR bill. If a person refuse to accept a penny, is this not the same as refusing to accept any other form of LEGAL TENDER. It seems that the use of PAPER money is a form of convience as well as payment. So refusing to accept 1 form is the same as accepting any form.

So maybe if we had a national penny pay day. Maybe the airlines would take notice.

Wow, you're going to looooove this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...e+parking+bill

I'm sorry, I think that's asinine. It's a gross inconvenience to the front-line employee who did not make the policy but must try to enforce it. If you want to effect change start a letter-writing campaign, alert the media, picket the board meeting... but don't resort to nuisance theatrics that the rulemakers won't even notice.

Maybe if you wanted to take clothes AND your fins & snorkel you would be irritated. In order to avoid this fee tomorrow on UA, I am trying to pack clothes, two snorkel/fins bags, and toiletries for two people into one checked bag so we only incur ONE fee I'm sure parents traveling w/kids can't get by with just a carry-on either. I'm all for packing light, but we certainly aren't OK with charging for the first bag

So, how do we properly protest?

yup-or earn elite status on the airline

shhhhhh, stop making sense or you'll be sent to SSSSecondary.

The fee seems fair. You're traveling with more stuff, which requires handling through the baggage system - as a result you pay more. If I'm going on a business trip that requires hauling a bunch of junk along that will need to be checked, it's a reasonable expense to assume. The baggage fees are still cheaper than shipping. I'd much rather they not raise all ticket prices across the board to try to keep profitable - baggage fees charge travelers for the services they use.

Kids, as long as they have their own ticket, get their own carry-on allowance. Most of the time I traveled with my mother as a kid (which we did a lot of), we rarely checked baggage and it never seemed like it was difficult to avoid doing so. Besides, most gate agents look the other way when people haul on loads of kindercrap, and they can choose to board first as well and take lots of overhead space.

If it is a long domestic flight or you have more than one bag to check, it would be wise to trade with someone for an upgrade.

On most airlines, you get 2 bags for free, plus a seat in First Class.

So you've bought into the BS that your fare is lower because you don't pay for a checked bag? Please. Your fare didnt go down. His went up.