Skybus Airlines announced today it will increase its fee for checked bags from $5 to $12 for those who check bags at the airport, but will let passengers check bags online in advance of their flights for $10.

 

The change is expected to speed airport check-in. It’s also part of Skybus’ continuing effort to keep its costs down, which allows it to continue to keep its fares low.

 

Skybus also announced it plans to increase the fee for priority boarding – which allows passengers to board their flight ahead of other passengers – from $10 to $12.50.  

 

“While we don’t like to raise fees, the high cost of fuel continues to put pressure on our efforts to keep our fares low,” said Bill Diffenderffer, Skybus CEO. “Several other airlines have recently announced much larger increases to their baggage charges as a result of high fuel costs. Though we rarely follow the pack, we agree with them on this.”

 

“Since all of our reservations are already made online, we also feel the two-tier price for checked baggage is a good way to encourage our passengers to pay in advance for checking bags and save themselves time and money at the airport,” Diffenderffer said. “Checking bags online is easy. Passengers can do it at the same time they check in online for their flight and obtain their boarding pass, and we are working on including the option to pay in advance for checked bags through the initial booking process as well.”

 

The baggage fee change is effective for flights departing on and after Feb. 19. As before, the fee applies to the first two bags (up to 50 pounds each) checked by a passenger. Additional bags will continue to be checked for $50 per bag. There will be no change in the fees for overweight and oversized baggage.

 

Skybus will notify passengers of the new fees in the e-mails they automatically receive reminding them they can check in online 24 hours prior to their flight, and the information will also be available on the Skybus website.

 

The increase in the priority boarding fee will take effect early in March.

 

About Skybus:

Skybus, the next generation of low-fare airlines, provides nonstop service on full-size jets to cities throughout the United States. Skybus offers outrageously low fares – starting with at least 10 seats at $10 on every flight. Skybus is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with an operating base at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, NC.