[Art Henry]

We have flown Alaska for the last 15 years, but with their changing policy re: Luggage Pricing, we are seriously considering changing carriers. We fly to Cabo, MX, yearly. We book early and get good seats, and non-stop when available. The last two years we have booked in Jan one year for a trip the following Jan. Then in Jun last year for a trip in Jan again. Both times our schudule has been changed, without notification. Non-Stops become one or more stops.

Next, Last year we received two bags checked for free, but this year if you booked after Jun 2009, your first piece of luggage is now $15.00, second is $25.00. You have to pay going to Cabo, MX, Alaska considers it a local flight, but you must have Passports. If you go to Mexico City, it is considered an International flight, and get two checked pieces of luggage for free. Agents we asked don't understant why either. We asked. Sounds like Alaska doesn't understand what international means. Just more money to line their pockets with. Service in general has really gotten worse these last 2 or 3 years.

[Gromit801]

So what airline are you going to fly? The only one that doesn't charge for the first two bags is Southwest, and they don't fly to Mexico.

[The_Judge]

Originally Posted by Art Henry

Last year we received two bags checked for free, but this year if you booked after Jun 2009, your first piece of luggage is now $15.00, second is $25.00. You have to pay going to Cabo, MX, Alaska considers it a local flight, but you must have Passports. If you go to Mexico City, it is considered an International flight, and get two checked pieces of luggage for free. Agents we asked don't understant why either. We asked. Sounds like Alaska doesn't understand what international means. Just more money to line their pockets with. Service in general has really gotten worse these last 2 or 3 years.

First, it looks like the rules change have a date of May 1, 2009, not June. Second, look at the Alaska Airlines website and click on Baggage Charges and Waivers, it states very clearly to me that luggage to and from Guadalajara and Mexico City and charged the same. 1st and 2nd bag are free. If they are trying to charge you, ask them to look it up.

As far as the the changing of flight schedules, that is unfortunate they added stops to the trip. Hope you can find a different carrier to suit your needs.

[jimworcs]

Spot on Gromit, that is what happens when you are trapped by monopolists.. they act in concert against the interests of the consumer.

[Gromit801]

Name any industry that isn't the same.

[jimworcs]

Is that a joke Gromit? I can name loads. Restaurants, hotels, there are tons of industries.. what are you talking about?

[The_Judge]

Boys! As usual, topics getting railroaded. Title of the topic and even the sub-title has not one thing to do with industrial monopolization. It has everything to do with the pricing of luggage on AS.

[mars6423]

well jim it maybe a locational monopoly here than what you call a "fortress hub" not too many airlines will want to fly into alaska, especially in the winter, as it is not worth the losses they would take going up there, alaska isnt a high popular destination, so having more carriers flying up there would mean emptier planes and higher prices

it is more logical to have 1 or 2 airlines for example flying out of that destination as it is more economically profitable for everyone (not just the airline(s))

[The_Judge]

Can't this done by PM? IMO, this is what starts all this fighting is off-topic bickering. Topic is luggage costs on AS, not about monopolies. Please take this private.