Up, up and away: U.S. Airways adds another $5 to its checked bag fee

Updated

Well, that didn't take long. Seems like only yesterday (almost -- it was July 9) that U.S. Airways started charging $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second, plus another $5 if you wait until you're at the airport to check them. On Wednesday, barely 50 days after the last increase, the airline announced it's raising them by another $5.

That means one checked bag will cost $20, and the second $30, as long as you check them online ahead of time. If you wait until you get to the terminal, it will cost you $25 for the first and $35 for the second.

All rates are each way. Now, if you check your bags in at the airport, you'll pay a minimum of $50 more for that so-called affordable airfare.

At the same time, a second bag checked to Europe will hit you for at least $55.

The new rates kick in on October 7 and will be levied on tickets purchased from August 26 onward.

Because the airlines like to follow each other, the other majors are almost sure to follow soon. In the meantime, feel free to vent your spleen in the comments section below. We could all use the release.

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