Delta, Continental hike checked baggage fees

Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines are increasing their checked baggage fees.

Effective today, a first checked bag on Delta flights will cost $23 each way; a second, $32, for travelers who prepay on Delta’s Web site. Travelers who wait to check bags at the airport ticket counter, kiosk or curbside will pay more: $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second. The new fees apply to tickets purchased on or after Jan. 5, for coach flights within the 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For travel on Delta between the U.S. and Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and South America, one checked bag is free and a second is $25 online or $30 at the airport. For flights between the U.S. and Europe, the first checked bag is free; the second is $50.

flights Continental also is increasing its checked baggage fees for coach travelers to $23 each way for a first checked bag and $32 for a second — again, if travelers prepay online. The fees go up to $25 and $35 for travelers who check bags at the airport. Continental’s new fees kick in Jan. 16 for tickets purchased on or after Jan. 9, and apply for flights within the United States (including Hawaii), Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For international travel on Continental between the U.S. and Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America (excluding Brazil), one checked bag is free, and a second is $27 online and $30 at the airport. For travel between the U.S. and Europe, the first checked bag is free; the second is $45 online and $50 at the airport.