Do hefty checked-baggage fees have you packing light when you travel? You may need to pack even lighter.
On Monday, United Airlines doubled its fee for a second checked bag, from $25 to $50 each way. Including a $15 one-way fee for a first checked bag, the airline now charges $130 to check two bags on a round-trip ticket.
It’s the most expensive baggage fee in the industry. And unless passengers rebel, some other carriers may raise their own fees to match United’s new charges.
"I think most travelers have made peace with the baggage fees," said Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare.com, a Dallas online travel firm that tracks airline fares and fees.
"People are trying their best to get around them, either by packing light or flying on Southwest," which doesn’t charge checked-bag fees on the first two pieces of luggage, he said.
United cited volatile fuel costs for the decision. The new fee applies to domestic tickets bought on or after Sept. 16 for travel on or after Nov. 10. The airline said its baggage fees will raise up to $700 million next year.
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