These days most airlines charge their customers for checked bags. It's a way to raise prices while still advertising lower flight fees.
But as a result, customers attempt to avoid fees by using carry-on luggage only.
The net result -- nightmare boarding situations as everyone jockeys for limited overhead space.
In recognition of the problem, Delta is currently running a test in select cities inviting people to check their carry-on luggage for free. That's a savings of $30 for the first bag and $40 for a second.
But checking luggage isn't just about money. It's also about time. It takes time to check in the bag and time to pick it up on the other end. Not to mention the fact that some checked luggage does get lost.
Given that, do you think that waving fees will matter? Do you check luggage? Has your luggage ever been lost? Assuming Delta begins to offer free checked luggage will you favor them in your future airline selections? Do you favor Southwest Airlines now for the same reason?
Baran, M. (022, February 4) Delta Wants to Speed Up Boarding With This New Carry-On Trial. afar.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.afar.com/magazine/delta-tests-waiving-checked-bag-fees-to-reduce-carry-ons?
5 comments:
On average I fly four times a year, two times domestic and two times international. For all international trips I always check bags, particularly because its free, and its usually a longer trip so I pack heavy. For the domestic flights I find it ridiculous to pay to check a bag for a shorter trip, but also I'm usually going to warmer weather and pack lighter. What I did notice on my last trip to Florida, I was anxious to get off the plane and get out of the "potentially Covid filled air" so it was more convenient to keep the bag with me. The check in desk was offering to check carry on bags at the gate free of charge as it was a full flight, but I opted to keep my bag with me. No one wants to waste extra time in the airport waiting to get their bags. Also I have lost a bag in past the from a domestic flight and the hassle and stress of getting it back isn't worth my time.
For Delta's pilot to be successful, they need to tell people well before they get to the airport-4 hour notice is not enough. A checked bag packing vs carry on is very different , it can have different toiletries, that would make a difference if I check it. Also what happens on the return? Will I have to pay to check it to come back if not re-selected? Too many variables for my comfort level. Also the restriction of the size does not make this appealing enough for me to favor the airline. I did not know South West offered free checked bags-I just checked and they only fly out of LaGuardia from NYC, I live in NJ, they had no direct flights to my preferred destinations so the appeal of the free bag waned quite quickly.
I think that waiving the fees for carry on luggage being checked is good for a few reasons but also not going to help in dramatic ways by any means. Whenever I am booking a flight, it is always the question of do I try and shove everything into the carry-on size to fit in the overhead bin or do I pay the money to use my larger suitcase. Delta's idea does not solve my issue because if I am still paying for the larger suitcase to be checked, this does not help me. If I am able to carry on my suitcase, that is what I am going to do even if takes a little bit of stress when you get onboard. If it is just for carry-on luggage, this is not as appealing to me. I like the security of having carry-on luggage right above me and there being no chance for the airline to lose my luggage.
Another thing to remember is that in the end, nothing is ever free. This move is going to create more work for their employees to check more bags and they have to pay them to do this greater amount of labor. They will inevitably end up raising their base fare in small increments to accommodate for these changes. As it is, Delta is a premium airline, and travelers do not tend to fly Delta when they are seeking a deal on flights so I do not think this move will necessarily bring in other customer segments and I do not think Delta would want to seem like a budget airline by any means.
Southwest airlines has great policies in place for checked luggage, and while I do not fly their airline because I do not like that I cannot choose my seat in advance, I favor their checked bag policy given that you could check two bags that are under 50 pounds for free.
I don’t fly that much and when I do fly the last thing, I want to worry about would be my bags. I hate to bring our carry-on luggage that is gigantic. It takes a very long time and energy to check bags. Checking bags isn't an easy job and at the end of the day, people want to get paid more for their work. This makes employees who check bags will feel appreciated and happier to do their job. The main reason they start doing this would be that carry-on luggage won't always fit and it's extra work for flight attendants. Not to mention that it can significantly hold down the boarding process as passengers look for one last place to slip their wheeled baggage into before the flight attendants call it a day and begin checking bags. Four hours before departure, Delta passengers will get a text message is not enough. They should email and sent a message as soon as they purchase plane tickets. Numerous passengers would like to save the additional expenses and delays by bringing their things aboard the plane with them. However, if checking baggage was not an additional fee, more people might choose to do so, resulting in reduced carry-on luggage congestion onboard. Things would run faster and smoother for everyone that is on the plane. Carry-on bags are one of the most stressful jobs for flight attendants. This change will increase their workers' workload by requiring them to check more baggage, and they will have to pay them more to do so.
I don't think this new promotion will make a difference because checking a bag is a matter of convenience and not a monetary decision. As Natasha mentioned, the decision hinges more on what a passenger is taking. The types of toiletries and bulkiness of clothing are crucial elements when deciding what bag is appropriate for our journey. I think that's one of the deciding factors when making the decision. But I feel even when people check their bags, they still have a carry-on that has all the stuff a passenger would need throughout the flight.
When I travel, I tend to check a bag, but it also depends on the destination and the length and distance of the trip. When I travel internationally, I always check a bag, but it's usually not necessary if I am going to Florida or LA. Fortunately, I have never had my luggage lost.
I currently always fly Delta, so I would greatly appreciate it if they started offering free checked luggage. I have only flown southwest a hand full of times, but I was not a fan, and their luggage policy does not hold a candle to the comfort and perks of Delta.
I have not traveled much in the past couple of years, with the only time being once in September 2020 when all I could think about was how to be ever-so-careful to not get infected with COVID-19, so I am not sure if I can say much for how these fee changes will impact the behavior of airline customers. However, I can say that when I did fly with Southwest Airlines in September 2020, it was primarily because of their lenient checked-bag policy. I was elated and surprised to find that Southwest Airlines was the only airline to provide this level of comfort and convenience to its customers. Along with this, Southwest was one of the two top airlines to be following the most COVID-19 health protocols and in the most thorough ways. Nonetheless, Southwest Airlines is great for those traveling with their small pets as I had to do in 2020. I was able to travel domestically with one carry-on bag of my own for free, which is something Southwest has always offered, and a pet carrier that was considered another personal carry-on item with the most lenient carrier restrictions and had the cheapest pet fare fee.
I did not choose Delta because they fell short in both aspects at that time. If Delta begins to offer free checked luggage, I may consider them for future flights, but I do not think it will make a huge difference for me as Southwest Airlines worked great for me and I do not travel with luggage often. Unless Delta steps up their flying experience for customers in other ways over time, I do not think it will matter much to me which one I choose. I will always choose whichever airline can give me the best rate altogether, shorter flight duration, and a good flight time. Checked luggage fees are something I will personally not be thinking about for a while.
- Nomi Q.
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