CHICAGO, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of its continuing
effort to offer customers choice, flexibility, and low fares, United is
announcing a new, simplified checked bag policy for customers who purchase
nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. United's new checked bag policy is
available at united.com/baggage.
Customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets and do
not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free
and a second bag for a $25 service fee.
For all customers, the cost to check up to four additional bags will be
$100 per bag. Previous charges ranged from $85-$125 per bag. The cost to
check items that require special handling because they are large,
overweight or fragile will now be either $100 or $200, depending on the
item.
United's most frequent fliers -- customers who have Premier status or
higher in Mileage Plus, or Silver status or higher with Star Alliance --
will continue to receive the benefit of checking two bags for free.
"This change enables us to continue offering customers competitive
fares, and it fits with our overall strategy to tailor our products and
services around what our customers value most and are willing to pay for,
as we have with our popular Economy Plus seating," said John Tague,
executive vice president and chief revenue officer. "Our customer research
shows that only about one in four customers check a second bag, and with
this new policy, customers who check extra bags may continue to do so for a
service fee, which enables us to offer competitive fares to everyone."
United estimates that this change will generate more than $100 million
annually for the company in cost savings and new revenue.
This new checked bag policy applies for travel beginning on May 5,
2008, within the U.S. and to/from Canada, San Juan, Puerto Rico and St.
Thomas, and the service fee to check a second bag only applies to tickets
purchased on or after Feb. 4, 2008. Customers may pay this service fee at
an airport Easy Check-In(SM) kiosk with a credit card or at the check-in
counter with a credit card, check or cash.
For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada),
checking a second bag will continue to be free and the cost to check more
than two bags or items that are overweight or require special handling
varies by destination.
About United
United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) operates more than 3,300* flights a day
on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and
international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the
Asia- Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the
largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a
founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our
customers to 855 destinations in 155 countries worldwide. United's 55,000
employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the
world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the
company's Web site at united.com.
*Based on the flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007.
SOURCE United Airlines
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.united.com/
CONTACT:
Worldwide Press Office of United Airlines,
+1-312-997-8640
|
