Delta Air Lines Inc., a Unites States airline based and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, will double its fee for checking a second bag on a domestic flight. The measure is part of a set of fee increases which aims to help counterbalance the high cost of fuel.

The nation's third-largest carrier said yesterday that the changes will only apply to clients who buy a ticket on or after Thursday for travel on or after Aug. 5. These fee changes include a raise from $25 to $50 to check a second piece of baggage for domestic travel. Fees for specialty items that involve special handling (for instance ski equipment), will increase on domestic and international flights. Checking a bag that is 62 inches to 80 inches of the total of its length plus its width plus its height will increase from $150 to $175, the company said.

First Class, Business Elite and Medallion passengers will still be allowed to check up to three bags cost-free, Delta informed.

The airline considers that, as long as fuel costs continue to be high, revising its fee system for excess bags and specialty items has great significance to bring the necessary amount of money in order to offset its higher costs.

Delta cautioned that if a passenger has an additional baggage that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, the passenger will be charged three times: for the additional bag, for going over the size limit and for going over the weight limit.