After American instituted their $15 fee for the first checked bag (in addition to the $25 fee for the second), many thought that the other airlines would join in eventually. Today United announced their intention to initiate this fee as well for flights within the U.S., and flights to/from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Canada. Like American, there are also exemptions. Those flying in First or Business class as well as those with elite status in MileagePlus or the Star Alliance do not have to pay the fee. United also said travelers will eventually be able to pay the fee online at check-in. United can now pick up a lot of revenue from economy passengers by charing for the checked bag and for economy plus.
Concerned that your flight will be affected? The fee applies for tickets purchased tomorrow (June 13) or later traveling on or after August 18.
So what does this mean? More pissed off passengers and more cramped carry-on space.
Southwest’s no-fee ad campaign looks smarter and better every day.
Wow! It seems the less I blog, the more you take yours seriously. Good to see you’re back on track, Dan. Really, I mean it. I was the one always nagging why you didn’t update your blog regularly. Look where we are now.
Keep it up and before you know, I might get jealous/embarrassed enough to start writing again…
Thanks for stopping by here, Kaveh. It’s been awhile – we’ll have to chat on MSN soon! And it is ironic that things turned out that way!