=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SFGate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/c/a/2008/02/10/TRN9UJCD9.= DTL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, February 10, 2008 (SF Chronicle) Travelers' Checks: Spirit joins United Airlines in hiking baggage fees While industry watchers wait to see if other airlines match United's new policy of charging most of its passengers $25 for checking a second piece of luggage, a leading low-cost airline has doubled the fee it charges to check any luggage. By doing so, Spirit Airlines is actually saving passengers money and helping them to save the planet, according to the airline's announcement. "Less luggage means less weight," said the announcement, "which translat= es to lower fuel burn and allows Spirit to lower its costs further while being friendlier to the environment." Beginning Feb. 20, Spirit's luggage fees will increase from $5 to $10 per checked piece of luggage if reserved on the airline's Web site, and from $10 to $20 per checked piece of luggage if requested at the airport. Spirit Airlines, based in Florida, doesn't currently serve any Northern California airports, but as one of the nation's fastest-growing low-cost carriers, its policies are often copied by competitors. Under United's new policy, which goes into effect May 5, passengers who buy nonrefundable domestic economy tickets and are not elite members of the airline's mileage program will have to pay $25 for a second checked bag. All passengers will be charged $100 for a third or fourth checked bag. The new policy comes on the heels of a report showing that airlines have been losing more luggage than in years past. The 20 leading U.S. carriers reported a rate of 7.03 of mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers last year, up from 6. 73 in 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Passengers filed 13,168 complaints about airline service with the U.S. DOT, 58.2 percent more than the 8,325 filed in 2006. According to the most recent statistics, the largest 20 carriers across the country mishandled-9. 01 bags per 1,000 passengers in December 2007, up from 8.93 percent from the same period in 2006. It wasn't immediately clear if United will refund the $25 fee if it loses a passenger's luggage. - John Flinn WORLD TRAVEL WATCH: German rail service gets back on track Train drivers in Germany and the national railway operator have settled a labor dispute that could have hurt rail service throughout the country. Union members had threatened an open-ended strike after disrupting commuter lines and freight transport in several strikes, dating back to July. Sri Lanka: Two attacks on civilians in recent days and other incidents prompted the U.S. Embassy in Colombo to strongly advise visitors to avoid traveling by bus or train throughout the country. Eleven civilians were killed and 100 injured when a suicide bombing occurred in Colombo's Fort Railway Station Feb. 3. The day before, a bomb on a bus from Kandy to Anuradhapura, both popular tourist sites, exploded at Dambulla and killed 18 people and injured more than 50. The embassy has further advised U.S. citizens to defer non-essential visits to crowded public places and high-profile venues. For the latest U.S. State Department advisories, phone (888) 407-4747 or visit travel.state.gov. - Larry Habegger $1 will buy ... These are official exchange rates as of Feb. 8 for one U.S. dollar in countries frequently visited by Bay Area travelers. For other currencies, go to www.xe.com. Australia (dollar) 1.12 Canada (dollar) 1.00 China (yuan) 7.19 Europe (euro) 0.69 (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain) Great Britain (pound) 0.51 India (rupee) 39.61 Japan (yen) 107.42 Mexico (peso) 10.76 South Africa (rand) 7.82 Thailand (baht) 31.17 Source: www.xe.com - John Flinn Associated Press Associated Press Associated Press Associat= ed Press Associated Press Associated Press - Larry Habegger ------------------= ---------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2008 SF Chronicle <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If you wish to unsubscribe from the AIRLINE List, please send an E-mail to: "listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx". Within the body of the text, only write the following:"SIGNOFF AIRLINE".