If you didn’t make reservations before now, expect to pay extra for checked luggage on Virgin America. Unless you’re booked in first class or or in main cabin select, the first suitcase, which can weigh up to 70 pounds, will set you back $25.
All passengers in the main cabin (meaning coach) who book non-refundable tickets for travel on or after March 1, 2010, will be charged a flat rate of $25 for each checked bag. Passengers who have already purchased Virgin America tickets and travel before March 1, 2010, will be charged the airline’s previous bag fee rate. There’s no limit to the number of bags that may go into cargo hold. Ten bags and you’ll be $250 poorer. Fees may be paid at airport kiosks, on-line, or at any airport ticket counter.
Under the new fee rules, first class passengers will be permitted to check two bags for free. Those traveling in the premium main cabin select plus travelers who purchase fully refundable main cabin fares will be allowed one free suitcase. Weight and size policies remain the same as have Virgin America’s carry-on baggage rules.
Here’s another example of an airline augmenting its income in one way or the other. Are you surprised? Some people are waiting for airlines to charge for the right of their carrying on the tiniest of carry-ons. Some are betting it could happen. Are you one of them?
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris
Karen Fawcett loves to travel anywhere. Karen was a founder & president BonjourParis.com while living in Paris for more than 25 years. She has traveled across Europe and the rest of the world. She is now based in Washington, DC.
