United to charge extra for checking 2nd bag

It won't apply to everyone...some frequent flyers exempt; silver and above Star Alliance flyers exempt.

The key will be if the public doesn't pritest..if they do, United will drop this very quickly IMO. OTOH if they get away with it the others will ALL follow suit.

I am not sure what my opinion is on this.

The only times I have checked 2 bags, the 2nd bag was actually a box that I decided to check on my flight rather than send through the mail. I've never travelled with more than 1 piece of actual checked luggage. So, if this change needs to happen so that fares don't increase, then I think it is good - those who take extra bags still can and $25 is not an outrageous fee. Seems like a decent compromise.

On the otherhand, this is another item in a long list of ways the airlines are cutting service, which does not bode well.

Since I rarely check even one bag, I think I'm glad to see the extra baggage paying its own way.

Excuse me, but what is "extra" about a second bag, Anonymous? TWO checked bags has been the standard allowance for some time and now United thinks they've figured out a way to make more money by providing LESS service than before..the typical business model these days.


Sorry, I rarely check more than one bag and I'm above the "silver" level so it won't affect me but it is an obvious ploy just as "meals for purchase" and "pay more for an aisle seat" have been.

It will happen if passengers do not protest.

As a follow on..that second bag is even LESS extra since people like you aren't checking any at all.

I will never comprehend how it is that airlines can't turn a profit when every flight I've been on in the last umpteen years has been packed, AND they charge for every little thing, AND provide less and poorer service.

(Fuel costs, union contracts... yes, I've heard the reasons, and I still don't get it.)

Bah humbug.

I don't fly United but they're obviously taking lesisure travellers for granted.

They should probably also just go ahead right now and cut their service to any resort in Colorado and Utah (or anywhere primarily dominated by ski resorts) since people will now have to pay extra just to pack warm clothing and equipment liek their ski boots. Same thing for anywhere known primarily for golf.

Not to mention the impact this will have on people travelling with small children. Good luck getting all that stuff in compliance with the new rules.

I'm thinking that the fewer bags on a flight the easier it might be to do security checks. So charge away.

Now THAT is an optimistic view!! I wish I could believe in the airlines' concern for our security, but I do not.

We rarely check more than one bag each, but I definitely resent having to pay $25 for the "privilege." Another reason not to fly "the friendly skies" any longer. We used to fly with UAL a lot, but one thing and another turned us off (like the mess we had the first time we tried to use miles) so we turned to other airlines.

Agree with Dukey, squeaky wheels get greased. Complain and maybe this (in a long line of recent excessive charges) newest way to fleece their passengers might be dropped! I hope so. Enough is enough.

This is from United website

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html

United is announcing a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who do not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Customers who have attained Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus or who have Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner, are exempt from this policy change. The new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Please view the Domestic baggage questions for additional details on this policy.

All customers traveling on United may check at least one free bag. The number of free bags allowed per customer will vary according to your Mileage Plus status and/or the type of ticket purchased. The tables below highlight the number of bags that customers can check free of charge:

and there is a table with allowances from 1 to 3 (three!) bags per customer weighing up to 50 or 70 lbs

Yes, all airlines are nickel and diming. Back to Greyhound????

Okay - this one hits me hard. It USED to be that when I returned overseas (from the US) I could have 2 bags per person and each bag could be 70 pounds. As of last summer (or maybe before), I was down to 2 bags at 50 pounds each. Let me tell you - after 7 years overseas - I am a PRO at "guestimating" luggage weight!!!

Usually - my DH goes back alone (lucky dog!) and takes back 1 bag (full of his stuff) and 1 ice chest full off steaks, etc.

It is up to me to bring back a years' worth of clothes, shoes, sporting equipment, food, school supplies, birthday and Xmas presents, etc for 2 teen age boys. PLUS all the stuff for me (crafts, clothes).

I am not happy!!!!

, , "customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. "

ah - Faina was posting when I was.......never mind!!!!

Faina - on another note - am I right thinking you are from/ have connections with - Russia????

Interesting about he Star Alliance status - could be useful since when we go to Alaska on USAir were each planning on checking one bag plus bringing a duffle with outerwear/hiking stuff for all 4 of us. I guess we need to make sure that bag is in name of husband who has status on United so we do not get charged.

Every 100 lbs of weight = $ in extra fuel costs

Fuel cost is shooting through the roof

Airlines have a choice

1. raise fares for everybody to spreadout the fuel expense

2. charge the idiots that need 2 50lbs bags plus a 21" roller and a personal bag for their 1-2 weeks in Florida.

I vote for #2

GRC, yeah, from USSR.

Faina - we might be moving that way this summer! Very excited -but would love to get your ideas!!!! Would you be willing to give me some pointers????

"2. charge the idiots that need 2 50lbs bags plus a 21" roller and a personal bag for their 1-2 weeks in Florida."

Not for FL, but this was my in-laws for a 2 week trip to Europe last year. They had an expensive awakening when they got to Europe - 1 cab for them and 1 cab for the luggage every time they went to or from an airport, and charges for excess luggage for internal European flights.

Grcxx:

faina22@hotmail.com

moving to San Francisco or moving to russia?

"It is up to me to bring back a years' worth of clothes, shoes, sporting equipment, food, school supplies, birthday and Xmas presents, etc for 2 teen age boys. PLUS all the stuff for me (crafts, clothes). "

Do you live in a place that DHL hasn't found yet?

Don't think for a second other airlines won't follow suit - "one is now the new two". The question now is: When will they start charging for every bag? (I give it two years)

"charge the idiots that need 2 50lbs bags plus a 21" roller and a personal bag for their 1-2 weeks in Florida."

Um, as someone else posted, those "idiots" are basically, everyone who skis. I will add everyone who needs to travel with a laptop, everyone who travels with a child (will this include my carseat?), etc. We can't ALL be idiots.

I guess anyone going on a ski or hiking / backpacking trip will not be flying united.

Its off my list thats for sure and united was a major carrier between my city and denver.

<I guess anyone going on a ski or hiking / backpacking trip will not be flying united.>

I can fit all my hiking/backpacking stuff in a duffel that weighs under 50 lbs, plus some extra clothes for the couple days I'm not backpacking. Then I've still got a carry-on for extra stuff. It's not that difficult.

I'm still trying to figure out who goes skiing in Florida.

Um, as someone else posted, those "idiots" are basically, everyone who skis. I will add everyone who needs to travel with a laptop, everyone who travels with a child (will this include my carseat?), etc. We can't ALL be idiots.

We're talking about checked in bags. A 21" roller plus a laptop bag plus a 50 lbs bag checked in is free.

I don't know about child seats but I would guess that's on top of a laptop bag and a 21" roller that you are still allowed to carry on.

What's the deal with skiing/backpacking/ etc? If you're going on vacation and you need a lot of stuff so you pay $25. Compared to the price of the vacation it's hardly a deal breaker. (And I KNOW if you can afford to ski $25 one way or the other is no biggie.)

We just got back from skiing and our family of 4 checked 7 bags. We might have gotten away with 6, but my husband flew out a few days early and did some business so he also needed work clothes, etc. for those extra days.

For most vacations, we usually get away with 2 suitcases for our family, but my kids are getting bigger and we need more. I think the situation of someone checking 2 bags and all that other stuff to go to Florida is quite exaggerated.

We paid $100 more per ticket this year to fly to Utah than last year. It's not like the ticket prices are staying the same and the extras are being added on - everything's going up and I'm tired of being nickeled and dimed when service is in the toilet.

OK, all you quaffers of kool-aid (hey, just pay it, it's only $25): first of all, whose side are you on, anyway?? Second, what happens when they lose the $25 second bag? Heads will be exploding up and down the baggage claim area. See, in return for fees, people tend to expect service...

i hope continental is far far behind this. i rarely check in more than one luggage but when I do, I would hate having to pay the extra $25....

That is outrageous! When I go on fun trips (to Europe or something for pleasure, as opposed to seeing family for holidays), I leave with one bag but always come back with two, for souvenirs. People are already cutting back on travel given the looming recession and falling dollar, now they do this?

I hope Continental doesn't follow suit...

Anonymous - "Do you live in a place that DHL hasn't found yet?"

Sorta. Kinda. Out in the middle of nowhere......relying on regular mail is "iffy" as there is no guarantee you will actually get your stuff and some places actually refuse to ship here because theft in the customs office is high. DHL is available but outrageously expensive. There is a post service I use, but I save it for light weight stuff since the charges amount to about $13 per pound (in addition to whatever other shipping I pay.).

So - yes - I can get things, but it is very difficult and very expensive.

We have been skiing several times, hiking several times. We have never brought more than 1 bag pp. We usually bring on only 2 carry ons.
I think they should start charging everytime someone goes to the bathroom. Maybe they should sell the magazines and barf bags. And it should cost you a dollar if you happen to use the pager or light. LOL.

spiro - you clearly dont have your own skis which are one bag in and of themselves and who knows - may be bags requiring special handling (which they may charge $100 for). Dont even start talking about a boot bag on top of it.

I wouldnt mind this move if the tickets were cheaper to account for it in the long run, but UAL is not a low cost no-frills airline.

Nobody is talking about the other side affect - now everyone will be traying to take on more larger bags and finding room overhead is going to be tougher = longer to seat people = delayed flights and more cramped flights. YUK.

I know you can fit a lot into a large duffle or huge suitcase, but shoudl every have to go plop down a 200 for a new suitcase.

Face it, this stinks for the traveling consumer, no matter how u look at it.

>>> what happens when they lose the $25 second bag? Heads will be exploding up and down the baggage claim area. See, in return for fees, people tend to expect service... <<<<

No kidding.

But I bet UPS could ship that bag (or its contents) for less than $25. AND they won't lose it.

I feel bad for leisure travelers who won't be expecting this new rule when they show up at the airport. Who has time to read the fine points of the contract of carriage every week to see what they've changed?

The effect of this will be more "idiots" trying to haul more stuff onto the passenger part of the plane. Can't wait.

AAFrequentFlier -- I see you don't travel with children. Here's how it works. The carseat gets checked below. That's one bag. Now, I have one bag for myself and one bag for my kids. I carryon a purse (still considered 1 personal item) and I'm allowed 1 additional carryon that is usually filled with toys, books, snacks and other things to keep my darling child from kicking the back of your seat!

<<And I KNOW if you can afford to ski $25 one way or the other is no biggie.)

So, if you can afford to do something, you should be charged extra for stuff and not complain?

It's not $25, it's $50 roundtrip on top of an already expensive ticket.

From the FAQs:

"When traveling with a child, checking car seats and strollers will continue to be free."

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52519,00.html

YAY, Ms Go. That's good news. I guess I'm still an "idiot" if I need skiis or a laptop or anything else.

Gail is right. Now, if flying United and I had two bags, as I sometimes do, I'll just bring the smaller wheeled on board with me. It's the correct size, but until now, it has always been checked, because I hate the hassle of the overhead bins.

Not that I ever fly United, but if this proposal flies and United doesn't lose passenger share, it'll spread to the other airlines as well.

Why does everyone keep mentioning laptops? Who checks a laptop?

FWIW I've never checked more than one bag, even for two weeks in Europe. When my wife studied abroad in Scotland for a semester, she only checked one bag.

Because a laptop counts as a carryon, Spinovious. So, if you have a laptop and a purse, everything else has to go below. Now United will charge you if you have more than 1 bag below.

I can’t recall ever checking a second bag but United would have to give me a really, really good deal to get me to fly with them again. The last time we were shoe-horned into the smallest space imaginable then they tossed peanuts at us wrapped in a napkin that read, "more leg room than any other carrier". I would have laughed but I didn’t have the room.

The worst of it, though was a toss up between giving the passengers a concrete floor for a measly excuse for a passenger lounge or being late. The employees were not only unhelpful but bordering on rude.

Then perhaps it's time for you to fly another airline?

Not every policy will satisfy everybody. Most will not have a problem with this one but if it is a problem for you, talk with your wallet and give your money to any one of their competitor instead.

I'll be one of those who used to check what will now be a 30 pound carryon. I thought I was doing everyone a favor by checking it, though I suspect it's cheaper for the airline if I just carry it on - just incovenient for the passengers and crew.

I travel carry-on with a laptop all the time. My laptop bag holds things in addition to my lap top - including the stuff that is usually in my purse. My empty purse goes into my carry-on rollerboard with my clothing, etc. When I get to my destination, I transfer things back into my purse. It is only slightly inconvinient to transfer things in and out of my purse and the benefit is that I clean out my purse regularly.

karens,

how was your ski trip to PC?

You can still travel with a laptop, a purse, and a carry-on bag (although why you'd need so much stuff during a flight is beyond me). Just stick the laptop or purse in the carry-on.

AAFrequentFlyer: I like your attitude in this and other posts you've made. The world needs more of you and fewer complainers.

The real question is whether the customer would prefer a higher far and "free" luggage.....or lower fare and restricted luggage.

From a business point of view.....it probably makes sense.

I only fly carry on, unless the travel involves skis or golf bag.

People really need to understand the differences between business and leisure travel. I could absolutely never check my bag for a business trip. I would be really up the creek if my suitcase were lost or delayed. Just cannot take the chance. On vacation you can make do, but for business, never. So, on board with me goes the carry-on suitcase that fits in the overhead and the laptop case that doubles as a purse and also holds my plastic baggie of liquid toiletries.

Traveling light is an art. Some people never get it. But I will say that the more you practice, the better at it you get. I have never once run out of clothing on a trip, but there are many times that I come home with never worn clothing.

My two cents worth.

Having once paid to check an allowed - yet overweight bag (I didn't want to open my bag on the filthy floor and rearrange everything between my two allowed checked bags). I will tell you that the idea of waiting for all those paid transactions at the checked baggage aisle to happen will be a pain for everyone.

Not to mention, everyone having to show what level FF they are every time.

Sorry, my experience tells me that every extra transaction that takes place slows the lines even more. The people working the desks seem to have a hard time doing anything other than printing tags and checking people in.

Anything that makes flying more complicated and aggravating, I vote against. I also hate the nickle and diming, for the same reason. Pay for food, no food, pay for a decent seat - it's all a pain to me. And, I agree the service is generally nonexistent.

Why doesn't some airline try being pleasant, polite, nice and have a help the traveler policy for a change. It is is horrifying for airlines to think of making flying pleasant?

It's not the $25 or $50 to me. It's the hassle. They get the money one way or another, anyway. Why not be nice when they take my money?

Chocolate Water Ice - that is a very good point. I don't mind paying either, I rarely bring a second bag anyway. But it's the bogging down at check-in that makes it a bad idea.

And it is $25.00 each and every time the bag is checked in so a roundtrip will cost $50.00 more. But having said that I have never checked in more than one bag, even on the trips to Italy when I have been gone for two months. Well one exception..but that was not my fault..a long boring story.

Hi Dayle. The snow in Park City kicked our butts! Thanks so much for all your recommendations - we really liked the Eating Establishment. I'll write more over on my original PC/DV thread so I don't take this thread off of checking baggage!

I presume people are traveling with kids who have tickets. If so, they still can carry on 2 things and check one. So just because you are traveling with kids doesn't mean their checked luggage counts as your own.

I guess my take on it (aside from security) is that if it means it saves me money on my ticket (i.e. if it's true about fuel costs and luggage), then I think it's fair that they charge for extra luggage. But then, I really can't recall the last time I needed more than one checked bagged (I'm not even sure I can recall one checked bag).

I was thinking the same thing about people travelling with kids - as long as the kids are ticketed, they get the same baggage allowance as anyone else. Kids require extra stuff, but I don't think they generally require more than their allotted 2 carry-ons and 1 checked bag.

I guess it doesn't matter too much for me since I have a United FF card and should have enough miles (well, usually) to be at the level that I won't have to pay for the 2nd bag.

I agree that it is going to be a HUGE hassle at the checkin desk! When we head back overseas at the end of the summer - our first leg is a domestic flight and I always get to the airport 3 hours ahead of time. I am usually the only person there so when I show up with my 2 kids and 8-10 bags/boxes all at 50 pounds each - I don't inconvenience anyone. It does take time for them to weigh and tag everything and then I have to pay for the extras.

Funny - after 7 years, many of the checkin people know me and just smile when they see me coming!!! Okay - maybe they are grimacing...but I just maintain a sense of humor and they have never been anything but helpful. I always tell the checkin clerk that after taking care of me....the rest of the day should be a breeze!!!!

I would prefer they enforce the carry on limit...1 bag and 1 purse/briefcase....that's it. Anything else shoudl be checked or tossed.

A poor decision by United. BA did this a year ago in the UK and it is viewed as blatant profiteering

Did everybody who is huffing and puffing againsts UA's new baggage policy remember to write them with the same protest?

US Air is doing a 'study' on the issue. Since they are partners w/United I am sure their 'study' mostly involves whether or not UNited gets away w/it without too much stink. That being said, we have two children & rarely check any bags. The exception usually being a pack'n'play when they were younger (depending on accomodations). I guess I've checked some wine as well, but that was going home. What are you people taking on vacation ? lol

I agree, this is heinous. The only times we fly United it to ski in the West (because I do not like their service now and use them only when I have to) and this will make it quite expensive. We each have skis in addition to our one checked bag of clothing. And it has ALWAYS been airline practice to allow two bags. They eliminate services and charge more. Economics 101 gone wild?

For those of you that think this is okay, think again. It's a no-brainer that this unfairly penalizes people who are traveling to a destination for which they MUST travel with two bags. People have listed the more common types (skiers, golfers), but don't forget us scuba divers. Obviously, we don't travel with our tanks and weights, but we need a second bag to carry all our other gear (wetsuit, buoyancy vest, etc.). I grant the fact that United and all other airlines face a very difficult issue with higher fuel costs, but charging for a second bag is not fair to all customers, even though on the surface it might seem so.

Regardless of how many people complain, if they only have 2% of passengers checking an extra bag then they'll keep the policy. And remember, this is only "nonrefundable domestic economy" tickets, so business/first class and refundable tickets are still allowed to check two bags.

Yep, it's "nonrefundable domestic enconomy" NOW. Does anyone remember the story of the camel in the tent?

This is just another example of "nickel and diming" and people are getting sick and tired of it. $50 roundtrip is an excessive amount for checking an additonal bag - maybe $10.00. The CRJ and other smaller aircraft that are being used for many flights do not allow for a garment bag to be stored as carryon. Is it really fair to charge $50 to someone flying on a short trip to a wedding or a funeral so that they can take formal clothes in a garment bag? Bad business practice - United Airlines - we will fly on another airline that has more common sense.

I wonder what their policy will be regarding checking skis and boots? We travel with ours frequently, between California and Colorado. We try to fly Frontier and Southwest, whenever possible.

Southwest still allows three checked pieces, I think. And Frontier allows two checked pieces, and they consider a ski bag AND a boot bag as one checked piece. Very reasonable. We avoid United whenever possible, because they have had such a stranglehold on the Denver airport since it was built.

I usually check two pieces of luggage, because it's much easier for me to travel with two smaller pieces, rather than one big one.

I agree that people will now try to carry on more luggage. I hope this experiment fails.

# Baggage Allowance: Beginning January 29, 2008, Southwest will allow two (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticketed Customer. Size and weight limitations apply.
# Excess Baggage: Effective January 29, 2008, you may check a third bag for a charge of $25. Your 4th through 9th bag or item will incur a charge of $50 per piece, and any bag or item thereafter will be $110 per piece.

http://southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html

Thanks, AAFF. We have our students flying Southwest for their ski breaks, so that's good to know. I'll call them about their ski and boot bag policy. I knew the three bag policy would die soon!

I weigh way below national average. Following their rationale for additional weight of a second piece of luggage, shouldn't I be entitle to some kind of discount? AND are those souls who claim they never check in a second piece of luggage the same ones who are loaded down like refugees and are overloading the overhead bins with oversize carryons, computers, totes and who knows whats? Wow! what a sentence!

I don't think this policy will drastically cut down on what people pack - it will mean stuff being lugged onto the plane.

I would greatly prefer to be the lasst one on the plane, but I always board as soon as I can so I have a place to put my carry-on.

And the carry-on situation seems to make so many people so miserable - moving other people's stuff from the overhead, etc.

It really cheeses me off when they ask me to pay for something I use.

I won't be traveling on United.. I am hoping that Icelandair, my prefered airline to Europe won't be charging like that too....

I'm a United mileage person, but my other half and I are already looking at alternate flights because we golf in the summer, ski in the winter, and love to shop. We already pay extra from Hawaii to get anywhere but $25 per bag more? Because yes, we always have to check two bags with our equipment and clothing. Way to go United, you're going to lose a bunch of us leisure travelers.

But, guess they can more easily charge for extra luggage. Since this is related to weight and fuel costs, can you imagine if they made each person step on a scale to pay by weight?

I think it is rediculus. The airlines are going to make it so that only the upper classes will be able to fly anymore. We just returned from a trip to Hawaii on American Airlines. The attendants made 2 passes down the isle with drinks for an 8 hr flight. No snacks, peanuts, pretzels,nothing. The seats were so close together I am not a tall person but my knees were touching the seat in front of me. Miserable trip. Will do a lot of research to find a better airline. (If possible) We just had 1 bag to check but still think its not right. It's amazing that the airlines don't think service is important anymore only the bottom line.

It's amazing that the airlines don't think service is important anymore only the bottom line.

In their defense, they're public corporations. If better service makes them more money, they'll do it. If better service doesn't make them more money, they won't. End of story.

"charge the idiots that need 2 50lbs bags plus a 21" roller and a personal bag for their 1-2 weeks in Florida."

I think it's absolutely hilarious how many of the 'I never ever ever ever to the billionth power check a second bag' even CARE what we idiots that pack two bags, take a laptop bag and a roller bag do!

I always make sure to show up early to check in, most times I walk right up because there's no one at the counter, so you can't say it's because I'm holding you up in check-in. And I always try to be the last on planes where both carry-ons go on board so that I'm not holding others up hoisting my bag into that ridiculous space they call an overhead bin.

However, I have a good reason for taking that many bags; though it's not skiing, hiking, camping, or golfing. It's called being a student who goes to school 2100 miles from home. It's called, when I do fly, I'm flying home to be there for 6+ weeks in the summer, or nearly a month in the winter.

Now, if any of you holier than thou art 1 bag checkers can successfully pack 6 weeks of clothing/toiletries for a climate completely different from the one you are flying in from AND pack to be prepared for weather changes at your destination AND bring back to school the inevitable things from home AND any souvenirs from vacation with the family....I'd like to see it.

I don't care about the exact details of your trips. Your own description makes it clear that they combine personal transportation and freight. What's wrong with paying for both?

I fly all over the world. I may start with Nairobi, make stops in Kabul, Baghdad, London and that's in December/January. I carry very expensive photo equipment and 2 laptops. I still never had a reason to check 2 bags. YMMV.

My husband & I are flying United this Sunday to DEN for a ski/board trip. While we are not bringing "gear" we do have the snow clothing, etc. Being that we bought these tickets over 6 months ago I do not think the x-tra bag check applies, however, we are each checking 1 bag & each rolling on 1 smaller bag, along with a backpack on each back (carrying on 1 roll-on pc & backpack is ok, right?)

This will be the 1st time in years that I am actually checking a bag of luggage, but it would effect my airline decision in the future.

I NOTICE HOW SELFISHLY MOST PEOPLE HAVE RESPONDED TO THE EXTRA CHARGE. (I NEVER CHECK MORE THAN ONE BAG; TOO BAD FOR THE IDIOTS WITH 2 BAGS) NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT THE OTHER PASSENGERS FOR FOR WHATEVER REASON (NOT YOUR BUSINESS) MUCH CHECK 2 BAGS.
AIRLINES HAVE BEEN CUTTING BACK ON EVERY SERVICE IMAGINABLE AND NOW THIS! SOMEONE, HAS TO STOP THE EROSION OF ALL SERVICES BEFORE WE HAVE TO START LOADING OUR OWN BAGS ON THE PLANE. AS IT IS, FLYING HAS ALREADY BECOME A NIGHTMARE EXPERIENCE WHICH I DO BECAUSE I HAVE TO, BUT IT HAS BECOME A DREADED EXPERIENCE. FLYING, THESE DAYS, HAS ALL THE THE AMBIENCE OF A GREYHOUND BUS WITH WINGS!!

julesj66, how big is your "smaller bag"? If its more than a purse / computer bag, you cannot carry it plus another bag.

Seems to me that if someone is moving (which includes moving to and from school 2100 miles away), then that person's baggage is likely beyond the normal luggage category and should be shipped anyway.

A tempest in a teapot.

LOL EricH. Good point.

I'll just say again, if it saves me money I'm for it -- and hey, my kid fly fishes all over the place and brings LOTS of stuff. When I see him leaving I think it looks like he is moving! If he pays for freight so be it.

Now, hmmm, interestingly, if he's going on a float plane trip, where there are strict weight requirements, he manages to bring less stuff fly fishing...

To all of you who feel "put upon" (and I don't necessarily like the policy, but I recognize that this is a business, and as such, it's goal is to make money)....if Macy's charges for gift wrapping, you either choose to pay for the service, or you manage to get the gift wrapped some other way or place. Maybe (in fact, probably) years ago, Macy's wrapped gifts for free. And maybe (in fact, I know for certain), today they wrap gifts for free for certain customers, but not for all of them. You can choose to shop at Macy's or not. If it's important to you to have free gift wrapping, you shop elsewhere. Why is this different?

Well, I have never flown United if I remember right, so it doesn't affect me, but unlike walking across the street from Macy's and choosing another store with policies you like better, many rely on United because their schedules or routings are better for them. It's often difficult enough finding fares, schedules, and routes that all work for you, without having to "eliminate" airlines because you don't like their policies.

I'm just still a little confused why they would prefer people to bring one huge 50 pound bag instead of two 25 pound ones. It just seems sort of odd to me.

I'm just still a little confused why they would prefer people to bring one huge 50 pound bag instead of two 25 pound ones. It just seems sort of odd to me.

Because people don't bring two 25 pound ones. They bring two huge 50 pound bags.

Not necessarily. And aren't they charging the fee if you DO bring two 25 pound suitcases, but not if you bring one 50 pound one? My point is I could understand charging more for excess luggage over 50 pounds, but why are two small suitcases more expensive than one large heavy one?

What are they going to charge for next, using the bathroom? Or how about charging for the seat in the waiting area?
It's the carry on luggage that's out of hand.

If United claims the fee for a second suitcase is due to weight versus fuel costs, they had better look at the weight of passengers. That's the weight increase in the past decade. And, it is just plain wrong for an obese person to take 1 and a half seats, be unable to lower the armrest and deny an adjoining passenger a fully paid for seat! Plus the other issue is, what additional paying baggage can United now carry in the hold? More of those unscreened packages and freight ----creating greater security risks for the passengers??!! By May 5th I'll use up my United miles and cut up my credit card that creates them.

tchoiniere:

Just to clarify, I am checking 1 bag. I am going to carry on a small backpack on my back and roll on a Samsonite that fits overhead. I'm allowed 2 carry-on's right? Those are my 2 carry-on's.

I'm trying to stay away from this thread b/c I find myself rolling my eyes at the "I am so perfect b/c I travel with nothing" attitude. And I notice it's often from business travelers. My husband never takes this attitude b/c he knows you pack differently for a business trip than you do for a family vacation when you've got 2 or 3 kids with you. And this issue doesn't even apply to us b/c my husband is platinum on a Star Alliance carrier.

My family is underweight compared to the average family. Maybe we can get a weight credit for our suitcases?

And I truly dont understand the expect to charge more money, give no more service attitude. Even if I saw an increase in pleasant behavior from airline employees I'd be happy.

P.S. I don't think gift wrapping and carrying suitcases on an airplane is an apples to apples comparision of service type options. I've always seen gift wrapping as a nice, but never necessary, perk. Bringing luggage on a plane has never been seen as a perk or privilege to me. Maybe providing a lunch or dinner might be seen as something comparable to me, but not charging $50 roundtrip for a piece of luggage.

And I agree that people just don't have the option of choosing airlines all the time. You are often stuck with the predominant carrier at your airport unless you want a multi-stop flight with few options re: flight times. That's the problem - the airlines know you will fly them if you want non-stop flight A (v. another airlines flight B with multiple stops) even if they treat you like dirt.

"Hello, thank you for using United."

"I'd like to know the price for a ticket from A to B, please, nonrefudable domestic coach."

"I'll have to ask a few questions for added service charges. Will you be checking luggage?'

"Yes, 2 bags."

"Any carry-ons, they're extra too, now."

"Just my carryone suitcase and my luch."

"Lunch is extra."

"It's my OWN lunch."

"Yes, that will be $5 for each item in the lunch bag. Napkins don't count, though. Now, will you be wanting in flight entertainment?"

"Yes."

"How many channnels? They are charged separately."

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"Oh, will you want the bathroom with or without toilet paper?"

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"I assume you want a seatbelt, too, so I'll add that in."

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"Well, if you want a seatbelt, that means you want the seat section, not standing room, so I'll just add that surcharge."

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"Will you be breathing during the flight? Good, I'll just add the air surcharge."

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"Do you want landed or in-air deboarding? You save $25 if we just drop you out ... er ... off."

!!!

"I NOTICE HOW SELFISHLY MOST PEOPLE HAVE RESPONDED TO THE EXTRA CHARGE."

I agree. United's research shows that a quarter of their passengers check more than one bag and would be affected by this. Those selfish whiners should suck it up and pay for their extra bag(s) instead of making everyone else pay for them when the airlines increase fares even more to cover costs.

Weasel - I don't know what airline you fly, but airfares have gone up.

We paid $100 more per ticket this year than last year on Delta to SLC.

Karens, read what I wrote. I said "instead of making everyone else pay for them when the airlines increase fares even more to cover costs." Key phrase being "increase fares even more", meaning more than they've already increased. I'm quite well aware of the fact that fares have gone up. I don't want to pay more to cover the 25% who must haul extra luggage - let them pay for that themselves.

As others have indicated, take this argument to its logical conclusion and it fails. This is not about weight, but the distribution of it.

A small child who needs a portacrib and a suitcase will not top 100 pounds including the child's own weight.