US Airways Charges $25 for Second Checked Bag

I recently posted one item about US Airways new chintziness in their frequent flyer program and an earlier one about United Airlines' policy to charge $25 per second checked bag for all but their most valued passengers. Now, in a convergence of unfriendly policies, US Airways has announced that it is also charging $25 for the second checked bag.

There are two categories of passengers who will not have to pay for the second bag. Active military personnel (in uniform with ID), unaccompanied minors and those checking assistive devices (presumably wheelchairs) are exempt, implying permanent "generosity" on the part of the carrier. The fee is waived for Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum levels as well as Chairman's Preferred, passengers), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check in and Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, which as I read it means that it could be "unwaived" at any time. Gee, thanks.