Posted on 02/05/2008 1:51:59 PM PST by COBOL2Java
Bucking convention, United Airlines plans to charge passengers buying its cheapest, nonrefundable tickets for domestic and Canadian flights $25 to check a second piece of luggage -- unless the travelers have elite status in its Mileage Plus frequent-flier program.
Until this change, all United passengers could check two 50-pound suitcases free of charge, the industry standard except for at a few discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines Inc. and Skybus Airlines. United's move, which some other full-service airlines said they are studying, could lead to a shift if rivals follow suit -- another step down the path of charging passengers for products and services such as meals, curbside check-in and advance seat assignments that once were complimentary.
United parent UAL Corp., the nation's second-largest airline by traffic after AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, estimated the change will generate more than $100 million annually in cost savings and new revenue. Currently one in four of its passengers checks a second bag, United said.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
I still think they need to do a surcharge for very fat people.
FWIW, I don’t have a prob if they charge by the pound. Paying someone else’s freight ticks me off.
Even though you only have one bag, if it weighs too much they’ll charge you extra. I got hit for a 50 Euro ($70) overweight fee coming back from Ireland last year.
Next, you’ll get one sheet of toilet paper at check-in....
That’ll teach you to smuggle Leprechauns in from the old country, won’t it? : )
Or Irish keggers......
“Until this change, all United passengers could check two 50-pound suitcases free of charge”
Free of charge?
I wish United would weight their passengers and those that are fat get charged extra too. They could claim they’re doing it “for the environment.” Maybe the reporter would start drooling and write highly about that too?
Funny you should say that. Last year I was flying from DC to Phoenix. I had the window seat, a young woman had the aisle (3 seat section). We boarded as scheduled, noticed the empty seat between us, and started hoping it'd stay empty. Boarding proceeded, with noone claiming the seat. We thought "YES!" Then, just as they were about to shut the cabin door, in walked a HUGE man, 350+ pounds. He started coming down the aisle, and the two of us gave each other the same look: "PLEASE, let him take another seat!"
Nope, he proceeded to plop himself right between us. For the entire 4+ hour flight, I was wedged against the window; at least the lady in the aisle had some free space to one side.
The day before we return from a long vacation we got to the UPS store and ship our dirty clothes home. Saves weight for vacation purchases.
I hate when that happens...
Makes sense. Look around at the check-in counter. Some families seem compelled to pack the kitchen sink. If you ask where they are going and for how long - there is no way a human being can need that much stuff. Plus, clothes are so cheap - if you need something - buy it at your destination.
Another tip - don’t wear lace-up shoes to the airport - wear loafers...others will love you and give you their pretzels.
LOL! So that was YOU! Thanks for the pretzels! :-)
*****The day before we return from a long vacation we got to the UPS store and ship our dirty clothes home..***
Billy? Is that you? Hi honey!
{{{{{{{{mom}}}}}}}}
BWI to NY December 15th???
LOL!!!!
I thought the same thing - carry on stuff is way out of control as it is.
This is just going to encourage more folks to pack everything they own into the overhead. Arrrrgghhh!
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