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United to Charge Passengers $25 for 2nd Bag, Ups Other Bag Fees on Domestic Flights
United Airlines will start charging domestic passengers $25 to check a second piece of baggage if they are not part of its most-frequent-flier programs. The change goes into effect with travel starting on May 5, 2008, and applies to tickets purchased on or after Feb. 4, 2008.
United’s most frequent fliers—customers who have Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus, or Silver status or higher with Star Alliance—will continue to receive the benefit of checking two bags for free. The new charge applies to those who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets.
United will charge all customers $100 per bag for up to four additional bags. Previous charges ranged from $85 to $125 per bag. The cost to check items that require special handling because they are large, overweight or fragile will now be either $100 or $200, depending on the item.
“This change enables us to continue offering customers competitive fares, and it fits with our overall strategy to tailor our products and services around what our customers value most and are willing to pay for, as we have with our popular Economy Plus seating,” said John Tague, executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Our customer research shows that only about one in four customers check a second bag, and with this new policy, customers who check extra bags may continue to do so for a service fee, which enables us to offer competitive fares to everyone.”
United estimates that this change will generate more than $100 million annually for the company in cost savings and new revenue.
New fees apply to trips within the U.S. and or those that include Canada, San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Customers whose itineraries include other international flights will still be able to check the second bag for free. The cost to check more than two bags, or items that are overweight or require special handling, on such trips will vary by destination.
Customers can pay this service fee at an airport Easy Check-In kiosk with a credit card or at the check-in counter with a credit card, check or cash.
United’s new checked bag policy is available at united.com/baggage.