United is charging $25.00 for a second checked bag

[travel2fun]

Noticed USAir has jumped on the $25 charge as well. Who cares.....we all need to start packing lighter or pay the extra funds!


Message Edited by travel2fun on 02-27-2008 04:09 AM

[lhbrown]

Hi everyone,

US Airways just announced on Tuesday that it would begin charging $25 to passengers who check a second piece of luggage, starting May 5. The new policy will apply to all flights in the United States and between the United States and Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.
Just watch the other air carriers jump on the bandwagon, now that United and US Airways are charging for 2nd piece of checked luggage.

[lhbrown]

Hi travel2fun,
We must have both seen the same article. I didn't see your post when I posted mine. Sorry for the duplication....

[jashermd]

Hello,

I wouldn't be surprised if one of the other airlines adopts the strategy of being the only one which doesn't charge in a bid to draw more passengers. When the other airlines were shrinking their overhead storage space, Continental increased theirs, and saw an increase in the number of business travellers who didn't want to check luggage booking.

Cheers,
Julian

[lippincottfarm]

This $25.00 charge is only for persons who are not members of the dividend miles club attaining preferred status. In other words, if you travel alot using the same airline or the airline partnership (Star Alliance) you do not have to pay extra. If you are traveling in first class, you do not have to pay extra. US Air sent out an email today to all preferred members telling them not to worry about the charge.

I agree in theory with the charge; I am amazed at what people will pack for a trip and drag throughout the airport. However, on my last trip to Mexico, I was taking alot of lights down because they are so expensive in Mexico, and actually took two of those rolling coffin suitcases which I checked. What a hassle to drag them from the car to the check-in and then to security to have them x-rayed. I can't imagine doing that all of the time.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Lippincottfarm. Just rereading your post. Is it USair that might charge? (did they send an email?) I am not preferred status; I just travel for vacation. We do use them most of the time and was wondering if they are going to consider charging. Thanks.

[bonniejoy03]

OK everyone. I went to USAir's website. The charge will begin May 5th for tickets purchased after 2/28. Good news is that I have my May and September tickets purchased so I am bringing my two suitcases! I can enjoy before the fee goes into effect! YEAH!(temporary Yeah!) (One suitcase is typically food!) Wow...now I really need to watch YAPTA for price changes!!!

[disneygal]

When I first heard about the surcharge, I immediately thought about how United is a major service provider between New England and Denver (and other Colorado ski areas). Point taken - many folks are bringing too much luggage. But for a ski trip, you have to check your skis, and that counts as a checked item. Those ski clothes are not going to squash into a carry-on, so there's checked bag #2. Renting skis costs more than $25, so that's not a good option. Personally, I'm not that fond of United, but this policy will certainly sway me away when going skiing, especially if it's not adopted universally. I imagine others who participate in sports and hobbies that require some equipment may have the same gripe.

[CMDAVILACLI]

Hi Disneygal,

I agree with you... when I travel on business, which is quite often, I usually have sample casesor art tubes that I take with me asone piece of luggageas well as my suitcase. I check both on because I hate dragging stuff through the airport when changing planes and having to explain to security what is in my cases.So I'm the one the airlines will be generating more income from... and who, by the way, usually ends up paying the higher fares for last minute business trips -- so I'm getting it from both ends!

cmdavilacli

[bonniejoy03]

Disneygal. You are correct. THis is why we mostly switched from golf to tennis! Over the years, it became a hassle taking the clubs. Now, the tennis stuff is just check on! Plus the tennis balls are great to leave with the local kids and pups! We are fortunate that the tennis stuff is carry on however, that limits us to pack our clothes through! Plus the snorkelling gear and my bag full of every safety/medical concern! I just hate to see all those people carry on TONS of SUPER large suitcases as carry on! This 25.00 fee might temp more people to take their stuff on the plane causing even more delays to try to stow it!