AirTran will have Wi-Fi on all 737 and 717 aircraft by the end of July 2009.  They become the first U.S. airline to have Wi-Fi installed across their entire fleet.

British Airways will begin daily service between London’s Heathrow International Airport and Las Vegas this fall.

USAirways and United raised the fees for checked bags unless you pay for them online before reaching your departure airport.  It’s now $20 to check the first bag at the airport, and $30 for the second. You save $5 if you do it online.

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Alaska Airlines is the latest to announce increases in checked baggage fees this week.  MVP and MVP Gold are exempt from baggage fees until the third checked bag. The new fees go into effect on July 7, 2009.

Alaska will have a baggage guarantee but only from July 7 through December 19th:

Effective July 7th, if your baggage is not at the baggage claim within 25 minutes of your plane parking at the gate, you’re entitled to a certificate for either a discount code for $25 off a future Alaska or Horizon flight or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus miles. If we don’t meet our 25 minute guarantee, simply see an Alaska or Horizon Customer Service Agent and let them know. They’ll ensure that you receive your Baggage Service Guarantee certificate or Bonus Miles.

Of course, the guarantee does not apply to baggage system malfunctions, severe weather delays or other conditions out of their control.

Other baggage changes:

• Delta will now charge $50 for the second checked bag on international flights to/from the U.S.
• Beginning July 9th, USAirways will allow you to pay for checked bags when you check in online.  But note:  you will be charged an additional $5 if you decide to pay at the aiport instead.
• Southwest still says NO to check baggage fees

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