Continental to charge for 1st bag

Continental Airlines Inc. said it would charge some coach customers $15 for the first checked bag after determining that the fee didn’t erode demand at other carriers and would help counter elevated fuel costs.

The policy applies to travel starting Oct. 7, the Houston-based airline said. It also reduced some mileage awards for frequent fliers.

Continental’s move adds to the number of fees and price increases carriers are tacking on to cover a 49% jump in the cost of jet fuel, the industry’s largest expense, during the last year.