Alaska Air Posts Smaller Loss

Alaska Air Group said on Thursday that it nearly halved its first-quarter loss, and the parent of Alaska Airlines announced a service charge for the first checked bag.

The net loss narrowed to USD$19.2 million, or 53 cents per share, from USD$37.3 million, or $1.01 per share, a year earlier.

The low-cost carrier, which credited lower fuel costs for its improved performance, ended the quarter with USD$1 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities.

Alaska Air Group, which also operates regional carrier Horizon Air, announced it would charge for a first checked bag. The USD$15 fee is effective from July 7 for tickets purchased after May 1.

The company already charges for all but the first checked bag.