Continental Will Charge $15 For 1st Checked Bag

Dallas, TX (AHN) - Continental Airlines announced Friday that it will charge $15 for a first checked bag for coach customers as they airline continues to bump revenue through added fees in an effort to battle fuel prices.

The additional fee became effective immediately for travel in the United States and Puerto Rico. The airline plans to add the fee on Oct 7 for travel to the Virgin Islands and Canada.

The move follows suit with other major airlines. American Airlines was the first carrier to impose the fee for a first checked bag back in June. Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines are the only two major airlines that still do not charge for a first checked bag.

Continental said the fee would not apply to its frequent-flier participants that are elite members. First class travelers and military personnel on official orders will also be excused from the fee.

The airline hoped market share would shift there way if they did not impose the first checked bag fee. However they did not see such results and decided to join the other major airlines and add the fee.

Earlier in the year continental introduced the $25 fee for a second check bag.