If different is good, then the U.S. airline industry¹s policies regarding charges for checking bags should be fantastic.

Yet few travelers at Salt Lake International seem pleased with buying already-expensive airline tickets and then, in some cases, being charged again to check a bag or two as airlines try to make up for high fuel prices by cutting anywhere they can.

"The first rule is they should cut spending before raising prices," said Florida traveler Steve Perl. "Maybe they have done that."

Baggage fees range from free to $25 for the first bag and free to $50 for the second bag. And don¹t even think about going over the 50-pound limit or checking an oversize bag without paying big bucks. An overweight, oversized bag could add $325 to a round-trip airline ticket.

The frustration level with extra baggage charges is so high that some travelers are looking to shipping companies to get luggage to their destinations.

"There are a lot of people who estimate how much it will be to send luggage," said Tara Churchwell of the UPS Store in Sugar House. Churchwell added that she has seen an increase in the number of travelers who want to ship their luggage in the past few weeks as baggage charges have taken effect.

For example, UPS will ship a 50-pound bag to California for $29 or that same bag to New York for $61.

Other ways to avoid charges are to fly first or business class, be a frequent flier on a particular airline or be on active duty military service with orders.

There is also some confusion among airline agents and travelers as to when the regulations took effect and how they are applied.

For example, Jeanette Klingensmith of West Palm Beach, Fla., said an American Airlines agent told her that because she booked early, she would not need to pay the bag surcharge. But the gate agent overruled that, and Klingensmith ended up being charged an extra $50 she had not counted on.

Carina Coria of Argentina won a similar argument when she flew to Utah with a large stack of bags for her and her children. The American agent tried to charge her but ended up agreeing that no charge was in order. Coria weighed the bags in at 49.5 pounds to avoid the surcharge. Some airlines give international travelers a break on luggage surcharges.

"It stinks," said Rachel Miller of Littleton, Colo., who must fly two or three times a month. "It's ridiculous that you have to pay to bring one bag. I usually just do a carry-on, but sometimes you can't."

Miller said that with more travelers trying to avoid checking a bag, airplanes' carry-on space fills quickly and she has had to gate-check luggage.

Archie Bess of Salt Lake City was surprised to find U.S. Airways charging for luggage when he went to check in.

"I feel like it is a rip-off," he said. "They are taking advantage of people."

Add to that frustration that many airlines are starting to charge for soft drinks, water, snacks and now, in the case of JetBlue, pillows and blankets, and those who fly are increasingly upset.

Travelers need to study airline policies closely when it comes to luggage and charges. These policies differ greatly from airline to airline. Either ask an agent when booking or check on the Internet so you know what to expect. Take care to keep bags under 50 pounds, meet guidelines for the proper size of carry-on bags and make sure you aren't checking any oversize bags.

Tom Wharton can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com or 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

Basics for All Airlines

Carry-on policy: Passengers can bring one carry-on item plus one personal item onboard. They must fit easily in a space approximately 22 by 14 by 9 inches and weigh less than 40 pounds. They must either be able to fit under a seat or in an enclosed storage compartment. Personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop computers and diaper bags.

Weight and Size Restrictions: In order to avoid a service charge, checked bags must weigh 50 pounds or less and not exceed 62 inches when length, width and height are totaled.