United Airlines Starts Charging for Checked Bags on Domestic Flights

If you're taking a cross country trip with United Airlines, you may end up paying a larger fee for those extra bags. Every checked bag for domestic travel through United Airlines will now incur a $15 charge each way, and the fee schedule is even higher for those traveling with three or more bags. The checked bag policy will go into effect for all tickets purchased for travel after June 13, 2008 from the United States and Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands by August 18, 2008.

United Airlines is just one of several airlines that posts a baggage handling fee as part of its overall fees schedule. With the economic recession underway, most travelers are already enjoying reduced ticket prices and cheaper-than-average flights for domestic flights. Still, these extra service charges and fees can quickly add to the bottom line ticket price, and may encourage many to look for better ticket prices with competing airlines.

Key reasons behind the increase include the increasing fuel prices across the nation, and the overall state of the economy. Many airlines are cutting costs and finding new revenue opportunities to maintain a competitive standing in today's fluctuating economy. According to John Tague, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Airlines, the $15 increase actually allows United Airlines to offer a more competitive price point with other leading airlines, but many travelers may perceive the fee increase in a negative light.

The check-in process will now add the fees at the counter, or customers can make use of the Easy Check-In kiosk and pay the fee via credit card. United Airlines also expects to make the bag checking fee payment an option with the online check-in process in the near future. Bag checking for international flights will continue to be free, but extra fees may be incurred for overweight bags being sent to different destinations.