With the Delta and Northwest merger final, the combined airline is making some fee changes for customers traveling on Delta- and Northwest-operated flights. SkyMiles members will be relieved to hear that effective immediately, Delta has eliminated the $25-$100 fuel surcharge fee on award travel originating in the U.S. and Canada. The fee was added to award tickets earlier this year in response to the skyrocketing price of oil, and with fuel costs dropping, the airline ended this unpopular fee.

Delta passengers will now be charged $15 for a first checked bag and $25 for a second checked bag on domestic flights for travel on or after Dec. 5, 2008–Delta was a holdout on a first bag charge, but no longer. Customers who purchased a Delta ticket on or before Nov. 5, 2008 for travel on or after Dec. 5, 2008, will be charged baggage fees according to the old policy–$50 for a second checked bag and no fee to check one bag. Customers flying in first or business class, SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members and active duty military personnel remain exempt from the first and second checked bag fees.

Delta is also offering customers the option to purchase Coach Choice Seats on select Delta and Delta Connection flights for $5-$25, depending on the distance traveled and seat location. Passengers can select a premium coach seat (bulkhead, exit row and other select seats) when using self-service check-in within 24 hours prior to departure. SkyMiles, WorldPerks and SkyTeam elite members can choose a Choice Seat at no additional charge.

And as of Nov. 6, 2008, Delta reduced the phone ticketing fee for revenue and award tickets from $25 to $20 and on Dec. 5, 2008, Delta will also eliminate the $3 curbside check-in fee for checking bags with skycaps.