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Airline Excess Baggage Information by Dennis Gleaton, Webmaster  Fee Table

While on vacation a short while ago, during check-in for the return flight, I discovered something that was not publicized and the only advanced notification was a sign at the airport, that I just happened to notice.
The excess baggage allowances have changed.

As we all know, free baggage allowances have been shrinking, thus enabling the airlines to "nickel and dime" us with excess fees.  50 lbs being the limit, which for a lot of us, barely covers the weight of the bag itself. 
For the longest time now, this fee across the spectrum was pretty standard at $25 for bags over 50 lbs, $25. for each additional bag or $25 for oversized bags and those fees can be added together if a single bag meets any or all of the criteria. 

I have done a little research on a few of our most used airlines and compiled a table showing the CURRENT and I stress current, because it can change just like your scheduled flight times.

Generally speaking, all airlines have the same basic definition of a "Free" piece of checked baggage.
It is 50 lbs or less and has a total dimension (Height + Width + Length) of 62 inches or less.
And they will let you check in 2 of these.

Anything over what is listed in the "Max" category in the table won't even be allowed to be checked in.
You will have to send these items via air cargo.

Now for the table and disclaimers.
This is research done on 10/19/07 and was pulled from the respective airlines website. It is not all inclusive, so if your airline is not listed, don't think you got away without an increase.  I highly recommend that you visit your specific airline's website and verify the information prior to packing and heading out to the airport or else you could be in for some "Sticker Shock" and find out that the great fare you found, just got wiped out by baggage fees.

For those unfamiliar, > means greater than.
** There is a graduated scale based on the number extra pieces. Amount shown is for the lowest number range.

HAPPY FLYING......