What is the baggage policy?

US Airways will assess a $15 fee for passengers’ first checked bags. If you purchased a ticket before July 9, 2008, the first bag fee won’t apply. We also now charge $25 for all second checked bags. The checked bag policies apply to all flights to and from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Canada and all flights within the U.S. The first and second checked bag fees apply to for all flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, but the second checked bag fee applies to all flights originating in Latin America and the Caribbean (standard sized first checked bags will not be charged a fee for flights from Latin America and the Caribbean).

Destinations that offer Curbside check-in will assess a $2 Curbside check-in fee in addition to all checked baggage fees incurred (credit card payments only, gratuities not accepted).

Baggage fees and rules of the operating carrier apply on all flights operated by one of our codeshare partners. Please check with the operating carrier for rules and regualtions.

What exemptions are there to the $15 first checked bag fee and $25 second checked bag fee?

The first and second checked bag fees do not apply to:

• All Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred)
• Passengers traveling to and from Europe
• Confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check-in
• Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members
• Active U.S. military personnel with ID (baggage up to 100 lbs/45 kg free of charge)
• Unaccompanied minors (with US Airways unaccompanied minor paid assistance)

Additional checked baggage allowance
The following items will be accepted in addition to the checked baggage allowance at no charge:

• Personal assistive device (wheelchair, cane, walker, crutches)
• Infant assistive device (stroller or carseat)
• Medical equipment or one bag that contains only medicine

Why the policy change?

We’ve simply had to look at ways to offset our increased operating costs. Approximately 67 percent of US Airways customers check one bag, and every checked bag drives our operating costs a little higher. Our revenues must keep pace with our operating costs.

Are the first and second checked bag fees per passenger?

Yes. For example, a family of four checking one bag per person would be charged a total of $120 ($15 per bag for both the departure and return per passenger).

Is there a charge for additional checked bags?

Yes, after the first and second checked bag fees, the fees to check additional bags are listed in our baggage policies.

Will I be charged if any of my checked bags are overweight?

Yes. Depending on the weight of any checked bag, you would pay an additional baggage fee.

Will I be charged if any of my checked bags are oversized?

Yes. Depending on the size of any checked bag, you would pay an additional baggage fee.

Do the checked bag fees cover travel one way or roundtrip?

One way. Checking one bag round trip would cost a total of $30. Checking two bags roundtrip would cost a total of $80.

What if I hold an itinerary that includes travel on a codeshare or Star Alliance partner airline?

You will still be subject to the policies of the operating carrier you check in with.

If I pay to check a bag and I don’t fly because my flight is cancelled, will my money be refunded?

We will have processes in place to compensate you on a case-by-case basis in the event of a service failure.

How will this affect the carry-on baggage policy?

The FAA policy states that airline passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item when boarding aircraft. This will still apply. US Airways will add staff to monitor security check points to ensure that customers don’t arrive at gates with more carry on luggage than the FAA allows.

What if I'm traveling with an infant in my lap?

The first checked bag fee and second checked bag fee applies.

I require the use of an assistive device due to a medical condition. Are these items exempt?

Yes. Assistive devices such as walkers, crutches and wheelchairs will be exempt from the $15 first checked bag fee and the $25 second checked bag fee and will continue to be accepted at our airport ticket counter and the gate for checking.

Will skis and golf clubs be assessed the $15 first checked bag fee or the $25 second checked bag fee?

Yes and these items may be subject to oversize or overweight fees as well.

I'm scheduled to fly on US Airways Express/US Airways Shuttle. Do the checked bag fees apply?

Yes. The $15 first checked bag fee and $25 second checked bag fee both apply to flights operated by US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle.

What if I booked my travel using Dividend Miles? Will I still be charged for a first or second checked bag?

Yes. If you booked an award travel itinerary, checked bag fees will apply unless you meet one the listed exemptions. If you’re a Preferred member, the fee will be waived for yourself and anyone traveling on your reservation.

I’m a Dividend Miles member. Do I have to pay checked bag fees?

Yes; however, once you achieve Preferred status (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred) the first and second checked bag fees will be waived.

Let’s say I’m upgraded to First Class or Envoy at the gate, but I bought a Coach or Economy ticket and was charged for checking a bag. Do I get a refund?

No, you will not be refunded. The service fee is based on your Dividend Miles status and class of ticketed cabin at time of check-in.

My itinerary includes a connecting flight to Europe. Will I be charged for checking my first or second bag?

No. If your itinerary includes a transatlantic destination you will not be assessed the $15 first checked bag fee or the $25 second checked bag fee.

I’m a Preferred member. Does the exemption apply to me and everyone in my party?

Yes, as long as you are all booked on the same reservation. However, baggage fees still apply to all passengers booked in group reservations (10 or more people in one reservation).

When a Preferred member books award travel for someone else who is not Preferred, will that passenger be exempt?

No. The fees apply in this case since the passenger is not a Preferred member and is not traveling on the same reservation.

How do I make sure my Preferred status is correct at time of check-in?

Ensure that your Dividend Miles number is included in your reservation when you book your flight and check in.

Can I pay checked bag fees online?

No. The option to pay online will be coming at a later date.

What about curbside check-in? May I check my bags at curbside?

Curbside check-in is available at many airports. You'll be charged a $2 curbside check-in fee in addition to the appropriate baggage fee. For example, if you check one bag, you'd pay a total of $17 ($2 for curbside check-in and $15 for your first checked bag). You must pay with a credit card to use curbside check-in.