Continental Airlines will charge for 1st checked bag

Continental Airlines, falling in line with most of its rivals, said today it will charge many economy-class domestic customers $15 each way for the first bag they check.

The fee applies for tickets booked beginning Friday for travel on or after Oct. 7. Like the others, Continental won't charge the fee to some people, such as elite members of its frequent-flier program, people traveling on non-discounted coach tickets, members of the military or their families traveling on official orders.

The service fee will not apply to EliteAccess customers, including those seated in First or BusinessFirst, OnePass Elite and SkyTeam Elite members, customers traveling on full-fare economy (Y) class tickets, or military personnel and their families traveling on official orders.

The policy will apply immediately for tickets purchased for destinations within the U.S., and between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada for travel commencing on or after Oct. 7, 2008.

Checked bags must meet weight and size restrictions or will be subject to additional fees. Continental's policy for carry-on baggage remains unchanged.

For more details of Continental's baggage policies, go to continental.com.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines still allows two free checked bags, standing virtually alone in the industry. Delta Air Lines continues to allow a first checked bag on board without charge.

Also, Continental reduced mileage bonuses for elite frequent fliers in its OnePass program. Effective March 1, so-called "Platinum Elite" customers will earn a 100 percent bonus (down from 125 percent) and "Silver Elite" members will get a 25 percent bonus (down from 50 percent).

The "Gold Elite" bonus of 100 percent remains in effect.

The carrier further said it will stop awarding a minimum of 500 frequent flier miles per trip even if the distance traveled is less. Actual flight miles will start being awarded for tickets purchased Nov. 15 and beyond for travel on or after Jan. 1.