US Airways Flies In The Wrong Direction

Reston: Apropos of my earlier post today about Better Air Travel, I got an email today from US Airways, doing exactly the wrong thing:

[via email]

Second Checked Bag Policy Change

Today, US Airways announced a change to our baggage policy. Beginning May 5, 2008, we’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.

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

Dividend Miles Preferred members are exempt from the fee, and we’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

So now people have an incentive to drag more luggage onto the plane instead of checking it. Thanks. Remind me not to fly US Airways.