AIRLINES ADDING A FUEL SURCHARGE
Due to the rising cost of fuel, US Airways is increasing the change fee on non-refundable fares by $50 per ticket. This increase is effective for all tickets issued on or after Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

The new change fee will be $150 for US Airways flights between the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America. The fee will be $250 for transatlantic/transpacific flights originating from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean or Latin America unless otherwise specified in the fare rule. The change fee for transatlantic/transpacific flights originating from any other location will remain unchanged.

Tickets issued prior to April 29, 2008 are not affected by the increase and are subject to the change fee at the time of ticketing.

We would expect that other airlines may follow suit, we'll keep you up to date.

SEATING PREFERENCE WILL SOON COST YOU
US Airways says it will begin charging passengers extra for an aisle or window seat on some of its planes. The airline President, Scott Kirby, told employees that the carrier needs to find ways to offset high fuel costs that are plaguing the industry.

The new Choice Seats program, which begins May 7, will charge passengers $5 per flight for an aisle or window seat in the first several rows in coach. Passengers will be able to buy the seats on the Web for all US Airways-operated flights except the US Airways Shuttle and Colgan-operated Saab 340 aircraft.

Dividend Miles Preferred members will be offered the Choice Seats program for free.

NEW BAGGAGE POLICIES TAKE EFFECT MAY 5, 2008  Baggage allowance USAirways:  For each ticketed customer, US Airways will transport: 1 checked bag free of charge, and 1 bag as a carry-on.

A second checked bag will be assessed a $25* fee. The new fee applies to travel on or after May 5 for tickets purchased on or after February 26, 2008.
Checked bags Under 50 pounds/23 kg 51 - 70 pounds/23-32 kg 71-100 pounds/32-45 kg
First checked bag Free $50* $100*
Second bag $25* $75* $125*
Third - ninth bag(s) $100* $150* $200*

Delta Checked Baggage Rule
Currently, you can check two bags per passenger free of charge. Starting May 5, 2008 this will be reduced to one free bag per passenger traveling in the U. S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Each bag must: Weigh 50 pounds (22.5 kg) or less. Not exceed 62 inches when you total length plus width plus height. If you have a bag that exceeds these allowances, see Excess Baggage.

Exceptions:
Business Elite® and First Class passengers are allowed 3 checked bags at no charge up to 70 lbs.
Passengers traveling to or from Key West and Marathon, Florida are limited to only one checked bag.
The free weight allowance is 70 pounds (32 kg) for tickets purchased in Brazil, or for tickets purchased in Japan when traveling to/from Brazil.
Active duty military personnel with traveling orders will be allowed to check 2 bags up to 70lbs at no additional charge.
With the exception of original factory-sealed boxes that will be accepted on a standby basis, we do not accept boxes as checked baggage to Central or South America (except Brazil, Mexico, and Chile) at any time of the year.

Some packages, sporting goods, musical instruments, and fragile or bulky items may require special handling. For more information on special items, see Special Baggage.

United Checked Baggage Rule
United has published a new checked baggage policy for customers who purchase Economy tickets for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Customers purchasing any domestic Economy ticket and who do not have premium status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25.00. Customers who have attained Premier Associate status or higher in Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy change. This new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.

The number of free bags allowed per customer will vary according to your Mileage Plus status and/or the type of ticket purchased.

Continental Checked Baggage Rule
Continental Airlines is implementing a $25 fee for customers checking a second bag when traveling on certain Economy fare tickets. The fee will apply for tickets purchased on or after April 5, 2008 for travel commencing on or after May 5, 2008 within the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Certain customers will be exempt from paying the new fee and will be allowed to check second bags free of charge (bags must meet weight and size restrictions). These customers include:
OnePass Elite members
SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members
Any customer traveling on a ticket purchased in Y class of service
Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders
Active military personnel traveling on orders
Customers traveling with the above exempt customers are also exempt as long as they are traveling in the same reservation. This exemption will not apply to group reservations including 10 or more customers.

All customers may continue to check one bag free of charge. Additionally, there is no charge for car seats, strollers and wheelchairs.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Other airlines may have second bag fees as well, these are the websites we could access at the time of this E-Newletter publication. If oyu are flying on another carrier, consult their website for specific details.

Accent Travel American Express is committed to providing you with useful information on the latest developments in the travel industry. The following information has been compiled from a variety of sources and is updated monthly.