Now you have to pay for your FIRST check-in Baggage

Continental Airlines, falling in line with most of its rivals, said today it will charge many economy-class domestic customers $15 each way for the first bag they check.

As with several of its competitors, Houston-based Continental will not charge the fee to elite-level frequent fliers or customers traveling on full-fare refundable tickets. Continental also said it won't charge military personnel and their families traveling on official orders.

The new fee goes into effect immediately for tickets purchased for travel on or after Oct. 7, the company said in a news release. The carrier, like most other major U.S. airlines, already charged $25 each way for second checked bags and beyond.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines still allows two free checked bags, standing virtually alone in the industry.

Also, Continental reduced mileage bonuses for elite frequent fliers in its OnePass program. Effective March 1, so-called "Platinum Elite" customers will earn a 100 percent bonus (down from 125 percent) and "Silver Elite" members will get a 25 percent bonus (down from 50 percent).

The "Gold Elite" bonus of 100 percent remains in effect.

The carrier further said it will stop awarding a minimum of 500 frequent flier miles per trip even if the distance traveled is less. Actual flight miles will start being awarded for tickets purchased Nov. 15 and beyond for travel on or after Jan. 1.