United Airlines starts charging for checked bags

United is clearly following the lead of American Airlines, after it announced this afternoon that it will begin charging all economy passengers $15 for their first checked bag, The carrier noted that it had little choice but to implement this measure, which is clearly going to be highly unpopular with passengers who are already weary of regular airline service cutbacks and new fees. John Tague, United’s chief operating officer, told journalists that the airline had to “pursue new revenue opportunities” as it is faced with record fuel prices. It must do this, according to the firm’s chief, in order to continue to be able to provide passengers with relatively competitive ticket prices.

Only last month, American Airlines made US aviation history by being the first carrier in the country to start charging passengers $15 for their first bag. Previously, all airlines in the US permitted passengers to check at least one item of luggage free of charge on domestic or transborder routes, while some permitted up to two bags. Airline industry analysts correctly predicted that other carrier’s would follow American’s lead when it comes to making travellers pay for all checked bags. Yet those that have yet to do this have already found ways to charge for services that were previously included in the ticket price, or else raise the fuel surcharge on all routes. Air Canada, for example, became the first airline in North America to start charging passengers for assistance, if they found themselves stranded at the airport due to a flight delay or cancellation caused by traffic or poor weather.

www.aa.com

www.unitedairlines.co.uk