There’s some good news for holders of a Gold, Platinum or Reserve Delta SkyMiles credit card from American Express, especially if you are not an elite member of the SkyMiles program. As of June 1, 2010, fees for first checked bags will be waived for cardmembers and up to eight other individuals in the same travel reservation. Cardmembers will automatically receive a first checked bag fee waiver upon check-in. First and business class passengers, SkyMiles Medallion members and passengers with a confirmed full Y class economy ticket may continue to check up to two bags at no charge. To read more about this new benefit or to apply for a card, visit http://www.delta.com/firstbagfree

Bottom line: Without the credit card, and if you’re not a Medallion member or another traveler who gets the baggage fees waived, the first checked bag is $23 if checked online or $25 if checked at the airport kiosk, ticket counter or curbside so this can offer significant savings. The annual fee for the Delta Reserve card is $450, for the Platinum card is $150 and for the Gold card, the first year’s fee is waived and subsequent years are $95.