United Airlines Doubles Fee to Check a Second Bag

In a challenging economic environment where fuel prices continue to be volatile and are more than 50 percent higher than last year, United has decided to double its service fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight from $25 to $50 one way. These changes apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after September 16, 2008, for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after November 10, 2008.

The service fee does not apply to customers who are flying in United First or United Business, have Premier status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders. United estimates that the $50 service fee will apply to one out of seven customers.

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

The potential revenue from United’s merchandising efforts, including those for checking a first and second bag, are expected to be approximately $700 million in 2009.

Customers may pay these service fees at an airport Easy Check-In kiosk or with a skycap using a credit card or at the check-in counter with a credit card, check or cash. To ensure smooth operations at the airport, later this year, United will have developed the ability for customers to pay for baggage fees online when they check-in online.

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