United Airlines Unveils Flat-Fee Baggage Plan

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Almost all airlines have increased baggage fees for domestic and international passengers to increase revenues per flight, but United Airlines is taking a fresh approach with its introduction of a flat-fee plan. United is offering a rate plan of $249 per year for passengers and one companion to check their first and second bags free of charge on every trip. This eliminates the extra fee of $15 online or $20 at the airport for the first bag, and $25 online or $30 at the airport.

This flat-fee baggage plan is well-suited for the casual traveler who expects to make at least twelve trips when traveling alone, or about six trips when traveling with a companion. However, customers who have elite status with the United MileagePlus program will reap no rewards from the prepaid plan because they already receive complimentary baggage checking on all flights.

International travelers flying United may save the most with this baggage plan because the fees for a second bag on a round trip flight can be $100 or more depending on the size and weight of the bag.

This isn't the first prepaid plan that United Airlines is introducing this year. In an effort to increase upfront revenues in these financially challenging times, the airline has unveiled its Premier Line plan that offers priority boarding and check in services and access to priority security lines for a one-time fee, as well as the Economy Plus package for passengers that want extra leg room on board.

Prepaid services offer the most significant benefits for passengers who are not enrolled in a frequent flyer program or have elite status for the airline, and may be an attractive option for travelers who will be using United as their primary airline of choice for domestic and international travel over the course of the year. Still, it's important to keep in mind that prepaid plans may not be refundable.