Domestic Flights

When I booked my weekend get-away trip to Arizona, I was not aware that my favourite airline had started charging money for checked backs. Sure, airlines have always charged for extra bags, but most airlines I have flown previously have always allowed at least one free checked bag.

It was only after I bought and paid for my non-refundable flight that I realized Alaska Airlines is now charging for any and all checked bags. They are obviously feeling the squeeze and are trying to accomplish one of two objectives - (1) cut costs or (2) generate additional revenue. Between the economic downturn and rising fuel costs, it had to happen sooner or later. Seeing as how I was only traveling for a few days on this particular trip and I am a light packer, I did not mind too much. I would just pack my luggage in a carry-on.

It turns out that Alaska Airlines is not the one airline charging for bags. In fact, JetBlue and Southwest are the only US domestic carriers that do not charge for checked bags. Prices range from $15 to $25 for a first checked bag, $25 to $30 for a second checked back, and around $100 for a third checked bag.   Need to check 6 bags on a flight? You will be paying $600 for the sixth bag on Delta Air Lines. (No, this is not a typo.)

As I boarded the plane, I soon realized I was not the only one trying to save money by packing my luggage on my carry on. As it turns out, more and more people are bringing carry-on luggage and maxing out the in-cabin storage. The flight attendant I interviewed said this was the part of her job she dislikes most. Since the change, she has noticed a huge increase in carry-on luggage. There is often not enough overhead storage and customers have to put their luggage under the seat in front of them. "This is frustrating all around, for passengers and airline staff," she states. She adds: "It is not likely going to change any time soon. Fees for bags are likely here to stay."

For me, I don't mind having to pay for checked bags. I am a strong believer in the pay-per-use paradigm. If I need to check a bag, I will pay the $15 or so. Most of the time, I will not be checking a bag as I can probably travel up to a week with the current allowable carry-on limits... for now.   Besides, not having checked bags means you can sometimes ask if there are standby seats on earlier flights to get to your destination sooner.

For a complete list of domestic airlines and their baggage fees, please visit the Checked Bag Fee Table on HotelDealsRevealed.com, a Priceline and Hotwire Help Website, Forum and Blog.

The domestic airlines are one that gives service between various cities in same country and they are very good option for the business tourists who are on move, people who do not like driving long distances, and for the people who just want to get someplace faster.

Few of these airlines ply international ways besides domestic routes. Few of these take in American Airlines, Delta Airlines, & Continental Airlines and you can find that they are having partnerships with some other international airlines. Example, international carrier may have some flights between Madrid & New York. However for people flying from Madrid to Denver, carriers' partner for instance Continental airlines can fly from the New York - Denver.

Kind of airplane that domestic airlines make use of differs from one destination to other. For instance, thy may use bigger Boeing 747 for the international flights or else coast-to-coast flights, and from city to city, also they make use of more packed in airbus planes. Kind of service given on board will depend on length of flight and on airline. Few of them can charge for the drinks & snacks whereas some others will give them for no additional cost.

The domestic lights generally have five people been seated for every row, & this permits for ease of the service. One of benefits of domestic flights is they usually have less passengers, and therefore good service is given to passengers & boarding as well as disembarking times are also reduced. And this is great for airlines, just because they are having faster turn over time, if they are turning over with the passengers.

It's extremely easy to get domestic flight. Majority of the domestic airlines present service few times per week between numerous cities. All these airlines as well range from the discount airlines to the personal charter companies, which cater to rich & famous. Few of these private airlines are Southwest, TWA, Delta, Northwest, Alaska airlines to mention some. Lots of airlines have also partnered with some main international carriers to give cheaper choices for the travelers, and more travel locations for travelers to select from.

All of these airlines have partnered with the hotel chains & car rental companies in order to offer sponsored travel packages to the travelers. These airlines are as well partnering up with the credit card companies. For example if you are having Delta Airlines credit, you may use it, & whenever you utilize it, you build up points, which you can cash in for plane ticket or for stay in the hotel.

Lots of airlines as well offer reward systems commonly recognized as common flier miles. People who build up thousands of miles from domestic & international travel acquire perks like precedence check in, VIP handling or the option to upgrade from the coach to the first class. From here you can observe that airlines are now encouraging more people to fly, and with perks presented and also reasonable ticket costs they offer. When you do find an airline that you're a fan of, become loyal with this company and the perks become even greater! It all pays off in the long run.