Delta Air introduces $15 fee on first checked bag

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines, which completed the takeover of rival Northwest Airlines Inc last week, said on Wednesday it will introduce a $15 fee to check a first bag for customers flying in the United States.

However, Delta will cut other fees as it aligns its policies with those of Northwest.

Effective immediately, for travel on or after December 5, customers flying in the United States will be charged $15 for a first checked bag and $25 for a second checked bag when traveling domestically, consistent with Northwest policies.

However, customers who purchased Delta tickets on or before November 5 and who are traveling on or after December 5 will be charged $50 for a second bag, but can check their first bag for free, in line with Delta's previous policy.

Customers flying in first or business class can check up to three bags weighing as much as 70 pounds free of charge.

Delta has eliminated fuel surcharges of $25 to $100 for frequent travelers introduced earlier this year by both airlines in response to high fuel costs.

(Reporting by Mark McSherry, editing by Richard Chang)