Rising fuel costs continue to slam the airline industry and as a result, Air Canada has implemented a $25 fee for checking a second piece of luggage for travel on or after July 15, 2008. If you’re an Air Canada Elite, Super Elite or Prestige frequent-flyer member, or a Star Alliance Gold or Silver member, you won’t have to worry about the new fee. Baggage fees for flights to and from countries other than Canada or the United States will stay the same.

American Airlines domestic travelers in coach can check one bag free of charge but will be charged $25 for a second checked bag. The fee applies to passengers with domestic itineraries who are flying within the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Elite AAdvantage members who are at the Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum levels will be exempt from the fee and can continue to check two bags at no charge. Passengers who are flying on full-fare tickets in coach, business and first class cabins are also exempt from the new fee.

JetBlue has started charging passengers $20 ($5 less than the norm) to check a second bag from June 1, 2008. Passengers may continue to check one bag at no charge. There are no exceptions for JetBlue TrueBlue members.

With so many airlines turning to second checked bag fees for additional revenue, Kimpton Hotels has decided to offer a little solace to travelers through the hotel group’s “We Got Your Bag” offer. Through Sept. 9, 2008, guests who show proof of a charge by an airline for an additional bag upon Kimpton check-in will be issued a room credit in the amount they were charged — up to $25. The promotion is limited to one bag only with Best Available Rate booking and other restrictions may apply. There are 43 Kimpton hotels in the U.S. and Canada.