Today American Airlines (AA) announced that on June 15, it will begin charging its customers $15 for their first checked bag. The move, along with several other AA initiatives, comes in response to record global oil prices.

As the Wall Street Journal observes, these are bad, bad times for the U.S. airline industry.

American's forthcoming checked baggage fee is just one of dozens of new or rising fees at airlines across the board.

Travelers looking to avoid flying have another problem caused by the oil price surge: record gasoline prices are making driving a more expensive travel option than ever.

Now would be a great time for someone to mass-market an electric car, a jet requiring little or no jet fuel, or both.

Or figure out a way to give us all birds' wings and cheetah speed.

Are you planning to fly anytime soon? How are the new airline fees affecting your plans?