May 21, 2008 American charges for checked baggage Play video

(NECN) - Cash strapped airlines have come up with new ways to charge you - not for extras or perks, but for some basic necessities. The good news is, there are some new flight options out there.

NECN's Peter Howe explains.

American Airlines flying less, charging more. Facing a $3 billion dollar increase in jet fuel this year, American is grounding 75 jets and slashing its autumn flight schedule 12 percent. No details yet on what New England service gets dropped.

Meanwhile, American will start charging fifteen bucks per checked bag after June 15. Not the second bag, as other airlines have done - the first one. American has already raised fares fifteen times in the last month.

Logan Airport customers aren't happy. The airport plunged from seventh to sixteenth place among medium-sized airports in the newest JD Power Satisfaction survey. One big complaint: slow baggage handling. Logan officials are surprised, but note customers are happier with new food offerings.

Up in Vermont, Air Tran has come to town. The discount carrier began service Wednesday from Burlington to Baltimore Washington International. Three round trips a day, some as low as $98 dollars.

And down on Nantucket, Jet Blue returns Thursday with summer service. It's on 100-seat jets, one flight daily to and from Kennedy Airport in New York, extra service Friday night and Monday morning.