Alaska Airlines to start charging for second bag; increases fee for overweight bags

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Loss triples for Alaska Air as fuel soars

Alaska Air Group, the parent of Alaska Airlines and regional carrier Horizon Air, said Thursday its first-quarter loss widened to $35.9 million, compared with a year-earlier deficit of $10.3 million, as jet fuel soared to a record.

In one response, Alaska said it will raise certain fees to match big rivals, like Delta.

In late May, Alaska will start charging some customers $25 to check a second piece of luggage and will double the fee for overweight bags to $50. Bringing a pet on the plane will cost $100 each way, from $75 previously.

The cost of booking through reservations and airport sales agents will rise from $10 to $15. The unaccompanied-minor fee will increase from $30 to $75 for one-way nonstop flights and from $60 to $75 for connecting flights.

First-class and top-tier mileage-plan members and customers on flights within the state of Alaska will be exempt from the increases.

Also, share prices rose after the earnings announcement; the loss was less than expected. As noted in the story, Alaska Airlines is in a good position compared with the rest of the industry.