Hawaiian Airlines Joins the Checked Bag Fee Trend

Source: Associated Press

Hawaiian Airlines has announced that it will begin charging a ten dollar ($10) fee for checked bags starting on Septermber 14th.

This is an unfortunate, yet rapidly growing trend in the airline industry. Hawaiian’s complaints seem to be the same as other airlines; rising costs are not being completely met by airfare alone.

Travelers should expect baggage fees at this point, and smart travelers will figure baggage fees into their budgets when planning vacations. If you fail to plan for baggage fees you could find yourself unexpectedly short on cash since these fees can add up quickly. Think about it, a family of four each checking just one bag would cost $40 each way. That’s $80 just for checking baggage for one vacation. In some cases that could be the cost of a one way flight!

Get used to it though, baggage fees are here to stay.