Start Packing Lighter, Folks

According to this article, Northwest is changing its luggage policies. Beginning in May of this year, passengers are only allowed to check one bag for free. The second bag will cost $25. Unless you're first class--in which case the second bag is still free. In addition, charges for overweight bags are getting steeper, too. Obviously, this move is in an attempt to discourage passengers from checking a second bag in order to better manage and cover fuel costs. But what do you think this will do to demand? I doubt people will fly first class instead of coach just to check their second bag for free. No, I think in the short run Northwest will probably suffer from lost ticket sales. But I have a feeling that (as fuel prices keep rising) more and more airlines will move to this kind of policy. So in the long run, it may not make a difference.