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Excess Baggage

Coverage from the Times of London and enplaned on European low-cost carrier Ryanair's recent decision to charge between $4.50 and $9 for checked baggage. The lower fee is for those who check in ahead of time, and the higher charge is for anyone who checks-in at the airport. There's also a 22lb limit on carry-on bags.

As airlines search for additional ways to cut costs--including charging for meals/snack boxes, and now for soft drinks--this is the logical next step for many of them. Unfortunately, it does make the airline experience more like Greyhound than before. Ryanair claims that they are lowering fares to compensate for the additional charge, but don't be surprised if American carriers pick up on this gimmick sometime soon. All the more reason to carry everything directly on your person during travel.


[Image via mublemurmur/Flickr]