Delta sets $40 fee for third checked bag

ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines announced a new baggage policy for domestic travel Wednesday, saying it would charge a fee of $40 for a third checked bag. <br> <br> Passengers have been able to check three bags free, but starting Thursday, the airline said the third bag would cost extra. Passengers may check two bags and carry one bag on the aircraft, as long as it fits under the seat or in the overhead bin. <br> <br> Delta officials said it is trying to better manage a rise in checked baggage in its system. Since Sept. 11, they said, customers are checking, on average, 20 percent more bags. <br> <br> ``Customers are deciding to check their baggage rather than bringing it through security. It makes the traveling experience a little easier,&#39;&#39; Delta spokeswoman Catherine Stengel said. <br> <br> The new checked bag policy applies to passengers traveling on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Comair, Chautauqua, Atlantic Coast Airlines and SkyWest Airlines. <br> <br> The policy includes passengers ticketed prior to Thursday. Additional restrictions may apply on certain flights, the airline said. <br> <br> Transportation Security Administration regulations allow only one carry-on bag and one personal item through airport security checkpoints and carried aboard aircraft. TSA-approved personal items include a purse, briefcase, computer bag, camera case and diaper bag.

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