Second Bag Blues

As if traveling isn’t challenging enough. United Airlines announced yesterday that starting May 5, 2008, it would be charging $25 each way on domestic passengers who are checking a second bag. United, who carries more people between Hawai’i and the Mainland than any other airline, cited the “extraordinary cost of jet fuel” as the reason behind the new policy. As we know luggage is heavy, and extra weight requires more fuel to transport. The Honolulu Advertiser cited that, “in the October-December quarter, fuel cost United $1.4 billion, 26% more than a year earlier. Fuel is airlines’ largest expense.”

But let me clear one thing up, they are not charging everyone. Only domestic passengers who buy the cheapest tickets and check two suitcases. If you are a Premier Member of United’s Mileage Plus frequent-flier program (flying 25,000 miles in 12 months), or you book nonrefundable economy-class tickets (higher class and higher fare), you will not be charged for that second bag. What this means is that United is passing the higher fuel costs to the occasional traveler buying the cheaper tickets and the wholesalers that provide affordable packages to Hawaii.

I visited United Airlines’ website to review their new domestic checked baggage policy. They are running a promotion for eight people to win a free trip to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. I wonder if they will have to pay for that second bag on their domestic flights en-route to Beijing?” (Posted by CM)

1 comment February 5th, 2008