This week, US Airways joined the list of other airlines including Spirit and United for charging for the first bag checked. US Airways fee is $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second. However, there are some exemptions. According to the airlines baggage policy, all Dividend Preferred Miles enrollees are exempt for first and second piece of checked luggage that have met either the Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred levels. Those passengers traveling to and from Europe and Asia are also exempt; as well as Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members. While airlines typically charge a fee for an unaccompanied minor, US Airways is not imposing the checked baggage fee for this age group. Oh, and another perk for the “elite” traveler is those who are confirmed First-Class or Envoy class passengers at the time of check-in as they will not have to pay this new fee. They are not charging active duty service members on travel orders up to a certain weight limit as well.

Carry on luggage appears to be the only way to avoid this fee, but just wait as I’m sure this is in the works. The airline industry is becoming a carnival where you pay an entrance fee, then are nickled and dimed throughout the entire “experience”.

These fees are not the only less than desired customer service decisions being made by the airlines. US Airways has also announced the ending of curb-side check-in at many of the airports it serves. What’s next? Passengers will have to stand in line and actually place its luggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft?

For frequent travelers who have earned “free” travel, forget this idea as now airlines are imposing a fuel supplement for this ticket. Delta Air Lines announced a $25 fee for domestic flights and $50 for international routes. Yet, jet fuel has increased by 102% over past 12 months. Airlines are taking efforts to reduce weight to help conserve fuel. An example of this is US Airways additional announcement this week that it is eliminating its in-flight entertainment system for domestic flights.

These cuts are not just affecting flyers, but its’ employees. According to an NBC Nightly News Report, there are 26,000 announced lay offs in 2008.

The culprit to most of these changes is speculators who are unnecessarily driving up the price of oil. Twelve airlines including Jet Blue, United, Southwest, Delta and more are reaching out to its frequent fliers to contact Congress to step in and take control of this problem that is threatening the continued airlines’ existence.

Flying Fees Continue to be Levied & Services Eliminated was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

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Carnival of Personal Finance #157 was created by and is property of American Consumer News.