Passengers flying on US Airways will now be restricted to only one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on.

Janet Robinson, administration manager for Meyer-Franklin Travel, said US Airways is the first airline serving between Bermuda and the US to limit passengers to a single piece of checked luggage, 50 pounds or less, and one carry-on on all flights.

Each additional piece of checked luggage will be subject to a fee ranging from $25-$200, depending on the amount of pieces and their weight.

Ms Robinson said: "This is an industry trend among low-cost air carriers. US Airways has been repositioning itself as a low-cost carrier as it enters the final stages of its merger with America West. As for whether or not other carriers serving the US from Bermuda will change their policy remains to be seen."

She continued: "Certainly, this policy will have ramifications and potentially higher costs for those travellers heading to the US from Bermuda on shopping expeditions."

The new policy affects tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5.