United Airlines Discounts Fees to Check First Bag Online and Cancels Second Bag Fee

United Airlines is offering customers a 20% discount on the fee to check a first bag when they pay for it on united.com before 31 January 2009. United has also canceled its previously-announced plans to increase the domestic second bag fee from $25 to $50 one way. The fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight will remain $25 one way.

Customers can now:

- pay fees for checked baggage, which enables them to use special united.com bag drop areas at select airports;
- purchase seating in Economy Plus, which starts at $14 one way, to enjoy up to five extra inches of legroom; and
- purchase Award Accelerator, which starts at $9, to earn travel awards faster by multiplying the number of Mileage Plus miles earned on United flights.

"Now our customers may enjoy more convenience and better value when they check-in at united.com before their trip," said Dennis Cary, chief marketing and customer officer. "We are listening to our customers, and these changes are designed to give them more choice and flexibility to customize their travel experience while keeping our prices competitive in a rapidly changing market environment."

 The fees to check a first or second bag do not apply to customers who are flying in United First or United Business, have Premier or above status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders.

The $15 first bag and $25 second bag fees apply to customers who purchase a ticket for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Customers may continue to carry on one bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer that fits under the seat or in an overhead bin. For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada, checking a first and second bag that weighs less than 50 pounds continues to be free.

United also recently launched its new Door-to-Door Baggage service that enables customers to conveniently ship their suitcases, or other travel items like skis or golf clubs, overnight directly to their destination within the 48 contiguous United States.

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