HOUSTON -- Some Continental Airlines passengers may consider packing lighter because starting Tuesday, the company will charge $15 for the first checked bag, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The company is already charging $25 for the second checked bag.

"That's not fair. I thought it was bad enough charging for the second bag cause being a grandmother you can't go visit grandkids and visit and not have a suitcase full for them," passenger Bonnie Thiele said.

"That's a problem. We're already paying for expensive tickets already now we have to pay for our bags," passenger Tommy Harrison said.

Continental officials reported the new fee as necessary to pay for higher fuel costs.

"They're going to fly it anyhow, and one bag is not that much of a problem," passenger Bob Crowley said.

Not everyone will have to pay the extra fee. First class, business class and elite frequent flyer passengers are exempt. Military travelers are also exempt.

American Airlines was the first major carrier to charge for the first checked bag. Continental's decision leaves Delta and Southwest as the only carriers not charging the fee.