Feb 4, 2008 9:50 am US/Central
United Introduces Fees For 2nd Checked Bag
DENVER (CBS) ―
United Airlines will begin charging domestic travelers $25 for a second piece of checked luggage unless they belong to some frequent flier programs.
United's parent, UAL Corp., said it hopes to earn more than $100 million in revenue and cost savings a year from the new plan. It will take effect May 5.
A United spokesman said Monday the new policy will help keep United's fares competitive.
The $25 fee won't apply to customers who have premier status or higher in the Mileage Plus program or silver status or higher with Star Alliance.
In addition United will charge all customers $100 per bag for as many as four additional bags. Previous charges ranged from $85 to $125 per bag.
With its announcement, United joins other air carriers looking for ways to pass on higher airline operating costs to customers. Last year, the no-frills Spirit Airlines began charging customers $10 for every checked bag per flight.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
