United to Limit Free Baggage Allowance
Beginning May 5th, most customers who want to check more than one piece of luggage on a United Airlines flight will be asked to cough up an extra $25.
The fee will not apply to first and business class customers, customers who purchase fully refundable fares (the airlines' highest published fares), or those who are Premier Members of United's Mileage Plus Program.
Customers will be able to pay the fee at the airport at check-in time, either through an electronic kiosk or the airline counter.
United will also 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.
These new fees will apply only to trips within the U.S. or Canada. For customers traveling to other international destinations, a second checked bag will still be free of charge.
The move is part of a growing trend by airlines looking to raise revenue in non-traditional ways. Industry experts see a future where fliers will have to pay for more and more services that were once free-- everything from food, to baggage, to seat assignments, to pillows.