United, US Airways follow American in charging for first checked bag; Alaska won't charge for now

United Airlines and US Airways will follow rival American Airlines in charging $15 each way for a first checked bag.

United says its fee affects customers who buy economy class coach tickets beginning Friday for domestic flights starting Aug. 18. The new policy will not apply to premium members of the airline's frequent flier program, business or first-class or international travelers.

The Chicago-based carrier is increasing the fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling to $125 from $100, or to $250 from $200, depending on the item.

Tempe, Arizona-based US Airways said its new fee will go into effect for tickets booked after July 9. It will also start charging coach passengers $2 for nonalcoholic drinks starting August 1.

The fees reflect a struggling airline industry passing the costs of high fuel prices to passengers. United carried 2.5 million domestic passengers through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last year, making it the fourth-largest airline in terms of passenger traffic. US was 9th with 493,000.

Other major U.S. airlines, with the exception of Southwest which charges no extra fees, are now charging $25 each way for a second checked bag.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, which carries nearly half the passengers traveling through Sea-Tac, says it has no plans to charge for a first checked bag.

"We're OK for now," said spokesman Paul McElroy He added that the airline is continuing to look at ways to readjust its service fees as fuel costs rise. But as far as charging for a first bag, "we really have no plans to do it in the foreseeable future."

Unlike the second-bag fee, which affected a small number of travelers, a huge percentage of travelers check one bag.

A family of four, with each person checking just one bag on American, United or US Airways, will pay $120 more in baggage fees alone for a round-trip. This comes on top of already sky-high air fares. Predictions are that if other carriers go along with United and American's policies, many travelers will try to slim down carry-on weight (40 pounds or less). That could translate into longer waits at security checkpoints where carry-ons are inspected.

Longer waits are also expected at check-in desks where the baggage fees will be collected. United said it is working on a way for passengers to make the payments when they book online. American earlier announced it is doing away with its $2 per-bag curbside check-in fee.

Alaska's new $25 fee for a second checked bag goes into effect July 1. Customers will be able to pay either by swiping a credit card through a kiosk when they check-in, or paying an agent at a bag drop station in the airport. The airline is exploring ways to let people pay at curbside or online in the future, McElroy said.

United estimates the potential revenue from baggage handling service fees at about $275 million a year. It expects the new $15 service fee to apply to one in every three customers.

This report contains material from The Associated Press