US Airways, United Now Charging for Second Checked Bag

If you're flying on US Airways or United Airlines to the Caribbean, you might want to consider leaving that extra jacket home: both airlines recently announced that they will begin charging coach passengers an extra $25 for checking a second bag on flights.

United's policy, which takes effect on May 5, applies to all flights withn the U.S. and to or from Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. US Airways' new baggage fees -- which also includes a $100 charge for a third piece of checked luggage -- take effect the same day but apply to all flights within the U.S. and to or from all Caribbean destinations as well as those in Canada, Latin America, and Europe.

Both airlines carve out some fee exemptions for premium-class passengers and certain frequent-flyers. For now, passengers can still check one bag and bring one carry-on bag aboard without extra fees.