One of the biggest disappointments in flying over the past few years has been the escalating increases in baggage fees.  I can't imagine how most people are able to keep the costs of their trips within budget.  America's new mega-airline, United Continental, announced today that they're getting rid of baggage fee discounts.

I applaud the smaller airlines, like Southwest, that continue to fight this trend.  I understand that airlines have to make their money 'somewhere', but I'd prefer it to be in up-front ticket prices.

Here's the news story about United Continental:

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Saturday, April 23, 2011

CHICAGO (AP) — There's no more incentive to prepay online for your checked bags if you're flying United Continental. The carrier has done away with the $2 to $3 discount that passengers used to get if they paid for their luggage online instead of at the ticket counter.

The charge for domestic flights operated by Chicago-based United Continental Holdings Inc. is now $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second, no matter how or when you pay. The change began for tickets sold since March 9.

United and Continental used to offer a $2 discount on the first bag and $3 off the second to encourage passengers to pay up before arriving at the airport.

Delta Air Lines Inc. still offers a similar discount. Other carriers, including AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, never offered different prices.

Southwest Airlines Co. continues to allow passengers to check two bags for free.

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