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Save/ShareUnited Airlines has announced that, rather than raise fares to cover the rising cost of jet fuel, it is going to charge passengers on domestic flights $25 for a second piece of checked luggage, starting May 5. (If you have status in a Mileage Plus or Star Alliance frequent flier program, you do not have to pay this fee.) Your first bag will continue to be carried free.
The move will probably be imitated by Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, and Continental Airlines. Some smaller airlines are already adding baggage check fees. Spirit Airlines, for example, charges $10 each for the first two bags.
United will also charge a flat $100 rate for checking in additional bags, regardless of whether you belong to its frequent flier program. Presently, the airline charges roughly $85 to $125 a bag for additional bags.
United says only one in four of its domestic passengers check in more than one bag.
EARLIER 180 readers tell off the airlines.
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Sadly,I think you're probably right about the other airlines following suit, Sean. While it's good for our business, it's one more example of airlines taking care of the business traveller and penalizing people who use the airlines for vacations.
John
Posted By John D.Van Meter on February 5, 2008, 12:16 PM
It would make more sense to cut down on passenger weight, by cutting the number of passengers on the plane, making the flight more comfortable for everyone. If baggage weight is a major factor, then charge not for the number of bags but for the weight of the bag.
Posted By Margaret Smith on February 5, 2008, 2:25 PM
I think it's a better idea than raising the cost of the flights. It's rare that I have ever taken two bags on a flight (you get a carry-on AND a personal item as well!) and I fly quite a bit. Almost always for pleasure and never for business. I would rather pay $25 on those rare occasions that I need a second bag than higher ticket costs on every flight. Besides, maybe this would finally convince my mother that she should follow my packing advice and not pack so much, so I don't get stuck lugging all her bags around!
Posted By Lindsi on February 7, 2008, 3:14 PM
Well..its just a sign of the times! nickel & diming us to death-whats next,coin operated bathrooms on planes?!damn ,shouldn't give them any ideas!
Posted By Denise Pelletier on February 7, 2008, 6:30 PM
In comparison to the overseas airlines I have flown, United in particular can't even compare. Charging for the second bag is another sign of their piss-poor business sense and capabilities. First it was no food or amenities (saving the AL about $0.50/passenger), then it was reducing the weight allowance on the check ons (pushing for additional unreasonable charges), and now a charge for the second bag (What the..). Overseas airlines have managed to stay in the black, provide excellent services, and make for a far superior experience in comparison to the airlines here (especially United), w/o constantly sticking their paws in the customer's pocket book. Just another way to screw the customer because they don't know how to run a business w/o having the gov't bail them out. In no way is this saving the airlines money or making the system any better. Thanks for nothing UAL!
Posted By Jerry on February 7, 2008, 7:00 PM
Charges should only be assessed ONLY if the 2 bags exceed the weight limit. My mother, a senior citizen with arthritis, prefers to pack 2 smaller, lighter bags, than one large, heavy one. The smaller bags are easier for her to maneuver, particularly in Europe where many hotels are housed in old buildings without elevators. As one who has carried her bags up narrow winding staircases, it's much easier to lug her 2 smaller ones than my one heavy one!
I'm also afraid that this will lead people to use more carry-on luggage, which the airlines never seem to have enough space to accomodate as it is.
Shame on you United!
Posted By TravelMaven on February 8, 2008, 4:31 PM
That's all well and good but I think the airlines should weigh each passenger AND their bag(s) and everyone whose combined weight is over the preset limit should pay.
Posted By Mary on February 8, 2008, 4:36 PM
Good for you United! Like "The Donald" says..."Nothing personal..it's just business"!
Posted By JaniceJudy on March 3, 2008, 11:10 PM
we all knew this would come.....people bring too much crap anyway. LEAVE IT AT HOME PEOPLE>>>IM TIRED OF TOSSING YOUR CRAP...
Posted By AAangelica on March 4, 2008, 5:14 PM