In a challenging economic environment where fuel prices continue to be volatile and are more than 50 percent higher than last year, United is increasing the service fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight from $25 to $50 one way.
These changes apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after Sept. 16, 2008, for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after Nov. 10, 2008.
The service fee does not apply to customers who are flying in United First or United Business, have Premier status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders. United estimates that the $50 service fee will apply to one out of seven customers.
Customers may continue to carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer to fit under the seat or in an overhead bin. For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada), checking a first and second bag will continue to be free.
Details on United's checked bag policy are available at united.com/baggage.
The potential revenue from United's merchandising efforts, including those for checking a first and second bag, will now be approximately $700 million in 2009.
