As the economy worsens, airlines have moved from trying to save money on fuel to encouraging consumers to buy tickets. Business is down sharply in the wake of the credit crisis.
A day after Delta Airlines announced that it would drop its fuel surcharge, United Airlines has canceled plans to raise its second checked-bag fee from $25 to $50. The airline also said it would offer customers a 20 percent discount on the fee to check a first bag when they pay for it on united.com between Nov. 10, 2008 and Jan. 31, 2009.
Starting on Nov. 10, 2008, customers may do all of the following on united.com from the comfort of their home, office or hotel without waiting in line at the airport:
• pay fees for checked baggage, which enables them to use special united.com bag drop areas at select airports;
• purchase seating in Economy Plus, which starts at $14 one way, to enjoy up to five extra inches of legroom; and
• purchase Award Accelerator, which starts at $9, to earn travel awards faster by multiplying the number of Mileage Plus miles earned on United flights.
"Now our customers may enjoy more convenience and better value when they check-in at united.com before their trip," said Dennis Cary, chief marketing and customer officer. "We are listening to our customers, and these changes are designed to give them more choice and flexibility to customize their travel experience while keeping our prices competitive in a rapidly changing market environment."
The fees to check a first or second bag do not apply to customers who are flying in United First or United Business, have Premier or above status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders.
The $15 first bag and $25 second bag fees apply to customers who purchase a ticket for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Customers may continue to carry on one bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer that fits under the seat or in an overhead bin. For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada), checking a first and second bag that weighs less than 50 pounds continues to be free.
