United Airlines will now charge you if you check in two bags

[TravelingGal]

What do you think? Would you still fly them?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22992054/

 

[gwendolyn]

I''ve flown with them a few times and was constantly disappointed and stressed--every flight was late (to the point where it affected my connections half the time), customer service was uncaring and rude about the delay problems, bags were lost one time. This just seals the deal that I won''t ever book any more flights with them.

 

[FrekeChild]

They''re taking a huge risk. No one else (that i know of) does that, so they''re going up against a huge obstacle. Nope I wouldn''t. Why would you choose to pay more for an extra bag when you could fly with two bags for free at another airline?

 

[TravelingGal]

Out of curiosity, do you all REALLY travel domestically with two check in bags as a general rule?

 

[Erin]

Why not? Even with international flights, how often do you need to check more than one bag? Nonetheless, this new rule only applies to domestic flights.
I will continue to use United - they are the easiest to accumulate 'miles' for seat upgrades.

 

[ladypirate]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:35:57 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Out of curiosity, do you all REALLY travel domestically with two check in bags as a general rule?

Not usually, but if I'm going to a conference or something for work, sometimes I will check 2 bags--one with my clothing, toiletries, etc., and one with the materials I'll need for the conference.

In any case, I can understand their motivation, but it is a PITA for those rare occasions when you need 2 bags.

 

[sumbride]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:35:57 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Out of curiosity, do you all REALLY travel domestically with two check in bags as a general rule?

Yes!!! I didn''t before they changed the weight limits, but now that they charge you if it weighs more than 50 lbs., I find it easier to travel with 2 lightweight bags instead of 1 big bag. I was absolutely a 1 bag traveler until I had to figure out where to put my shoes when my bag weighed 52 lbs because I went shopping on a trip. Screw it! Now my bags are about 30 pounds each. So I''m carrying MORE because of the previous regulations instead of less.

I''ve bought lighter luggage and that helps, but I can''t live grungy on every trip and access to laundry facilities cannot be assumed. Nor does doing laundry equal a vacation to me.

I''ve only flown United once, but this policy would push me away from them.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:35:57 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Out of curiosity, do you all REALLY travel domestically with two check in bags as a general rule?

I don''t do much flying domestically now that I live out of the country, but it doesn''t make any difference to me. I''ve had horrible experiences with them before, so why would I go out of my way to give them my business with this possible added deterrent? I''ll give my business to someone else.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:35:57 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Out of curiosity, do you all REALLY travel domestically with two check in bags as a general rule?

Never. Skybus charges ala cart for everything (seating, checked bags, drinks, etc...) If united is cheaper than the other guys I would still fly them.

 

[TravelingGal]

I think this was a very bad PR move by United. It may have been better if they just lowered the weight limit but still allowed two bags (for people like Sumbride. I also know elderly people like to pack two lighter bags instead of one heavier one). Even though most people don''t check in two bags, they won''t like the idea that they are only allowed one now. And what about people traveling with babies/kids? I wonder if things like carseats, strollers, etc. will count?

However, it still amuses me (or if I am in a bad mood, irritates me) when people feel they are entitled to bring along the entire kitchen sink. I have only ever brought a light carry on for both domestic and international travel (this includes a three week trip to Oz before I met TGuy and included my scuba gear!). The only time I have to check bags now is when we visit TGuy''s family in Oz since we bring so much stuff over for the rellies. Packing light definitely makes travel more pleasant, IMHO!

 

[Skippy123]

Well, I guess it depends; when I use to fly a lot for work I only would bring one bag (check that one on) and then my laptop which I brought on the flight with me. Internationally, hubby and I usually check in 3 bags but this time we are going to try and only take 2 bags. If the fare was cheaper and the cost to check in the bag was still cheaper then I would go w/them. I guess since fuel is costing more it sort of makes sense (more weight on the plane). Lots of airlines don't offer food and only for a price so I guess things are slowly changing so that the airline can survive.

ETA: ditto what Island says about other airlines maybe following.

 

[eks6426]

I''m a really good carry-on only flyer...or at least I was until the wonderful 3 oz liquid in a baggie rule. I could easily pack for 2 week trips in my one carry on plus medium sized purse. The liquid rule makes it a bit harder especially if I''m going someplace that requires sunscreen. I''ve made it work but it''s harder. When I travel with my husband and 10 year old son, we have no problem with going strictly carry on because then we get 3 baggies for toiletries.

That being said, I''d rather all the airlines lower their prices and charge ala carte for checking bags. However, I''m positive that won''t happen...the ala carte charges may go in place...but they''ll be on top of higher rates in general. I do think they should have a total weight allowance and allow people to put it in 1 or 2 bags.

My guess is the other airliness will quickly follow United.

 

[sumbride]

Date: 2/4/2008 3:16:30 PM
Author: TravelingGal
And what about people traveling with babies/kids? I wonder if things like carseats, strollers, etc. will count?

I think they should. I say that because I don''t have a child, nor do I plan to, so why should I only get to bring 2 pairs of shoes when the people in front of me have 3 strollers, 3 car seats, and a portable crib in addition to all their luggage? Were it the other way around, of course I would insist that it was unfair to charge! See the problem?

For people with kids I definitely understand that packing lite becomes almost impossible... I''m sort of looking in your direction T-Gal... wondering just how you''re going to handle it... Of course, you can ship things ahead of time and such but that doesn''t always work. My friend did that when she took her two kids to St. John for a week... shipped out diapers and formula and swim floats all in advance, and then rented car seats and a crib. But that costs more than paying for an extra bag, to be sure.

I miss cheap airfare. And cheap gas.

 

[pjean]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:56:59 PM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 2/4/2008 2:35:57 PM

I''ve had horrible experiences with them before, so why would I go out of my way to give them my business with this possible added deterrent? I''ll give my business to someone else.

Me too.

 

[Gypsy]

I stopped flying them years ago. They are just terrible. This is an insult. That''s all it is. I''ll stick with Jet Blue thanks. Scum.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:26:06 PM
Author:TravelingGal
What do you think? Would you still fly them?

If their flights are signficantly less, sure ... but since likely not ... only if I must.

I always check 2 pieces of luggage if I am going to be gone for more than a week and don''t carry anything on the plane as I find this a greater inconvenience. Previously, I could have checked one suitcase and made a carryon with my toiletries, hair & makeup stuff etc, however, since you can''t bring any liquids on board anymore ... I have no choice. It has to be checked.

I''m sure that this is just the beginning ... the other airlines will be following suit. It reminds me of credit card companies who implement some sort of customer irritant and then all the other credit card companies follow suit ... after the initial outrage has subsided, of course.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 2/4/2008 4:39:27 PM
Author: sumbride

Date: 2/4/2008 3:16:30 PM

Author: TravelingGal

And what about people traveling with babies/kids? I wonder if things like carseats, strollers, etc. will count?

I think they should. I say that because I don''t have a child, nor do I plan to, so why should I only get to bring 2 pairs of shoes when the people in front of me have 3 strollers, 3 car seats, and a portable crib in addition to all their luggage? Were it the other way around, of course I would insist that it was unfair to charge! See the problem?
For people with kids I definitely understand that packing lite becomes almost impossible... I''m sort of looking in your direction T-Gal... wondering just how you''re going to handle it... Of course, you can ship things ahead of time and such but that doesn''t always work. My friend did that when she took her two kids to St. John for a week... shipped out diapers and formula and swim floats all in advance, and then rented car seats and a crib. But that costs more than paying for an extra bag, to be sure.


I miss cheap airfare. And cheap gas.

Well I obviously disagree

I called the airline ahead of time (delta) and they said the stroller/carseat etc would not count towards my checked baggage. Of course once children are 2 they have to have a seat therefore are entitled to their checked bag anyways. I would think it would be cheaper though to pay to check another bag than to ship a huge box.

 

[Mara]

sumbride i don''t know that something like a carseat (required by law) can really be compared to a bringing along an extra pair of shoes....so i disagree there. but i do agree that i am not for people totally overpacking and not having to pay extra for it in general. not sure how i feel about the 2nd bag united rule, but i am fine with the whole pay more for over 50 lbs things, we have had to do that one or two times, its not a huge deal. typically we only check one bag if it''s about a 4 day trip for the 2 of us as we also have carry on laptop bags but if it''s a longer trip like a 1-2 week visit somewhere then we will def check 2 bags.

overall airfare is so ridiculously high right now, adding a bag charge is probably a reason we might not fly united, but it would depend on how much the charge is and what the airfare is and what the flight times are like.

we just flew a nightmare trip where we flew Delta and United. honestly i am so over all the airlines right now with all the airport delays, the plane delays, the just overall lack of respect about everyone''s time...UGH.

the sucky part is that it feels like you can''t really protest an airline because seriously, the next time that so and so airline has a great fare deal with fab times that fits our proposed schedule EXACTLY, we would probably book with them again. so it''s really hard to ''take a stand'' when airfare is really high right now and flight delays are rampant...it seems like everyone is crappy so what''s the real positive??!

 

[FrekeChild]

I''m with Sumbride on this one. I''d rather have multiple light bags than one really heavy bag. Having said that, going to college cross country is what brought the instant "NO, I will NOT pay more!" from my end. I shipped plenty out the NY, but at the end of the day, I still had 6 bags (parents had all their stuff in their carryons) to drag across country. I''m not willing to pay $75 bucks to have an extra 3 bags. That''s not reasonable to me. That makes me not want to use that airlines.

And I am usually only gone a few days so I only bring one bag in the first place, but it''s the principle of the thing.

Can you imagine having a flight canceled from another airlines, so you''re mad anyway, and then being told that because you have 2 bags instead of one that you have to pay an extra $25 dollars? You would not want to be the airline employee that I would have to deal with.

I''ll stick with Southwest.

 

[sumbride]

I''m not saying that people shouldn''t be allowed to bring car seats... but it all adds up. If the real issue here is weight on the plane, it does seem unfair that all those gate check items don''t count against anything.

I used to be able to pack everything in a carry-on, no problem, but continued ridiculous security measures (and yes, I do mean RIDICULOUS) have made that inconvenient and annoying. Now I barely take anything in my carry on because I hate having to watch them go through it. There is no true virtue in being able to cram everything in one bag, just like there is no virtue in not needing any liquids above 3 ozs. My contact solution comes in a 4 oz. bottle. That is allowed in the US because it is considered medical, but when I tried to get out of St. Lucia with a 4 oz. bottle (that was almost empty!) they asked if I had a prescription for my contact lens solution! And since I didn''t happen to have a piece of paper from my eye doctor that said I was allowed to carry my Optifree with me, they tossed it in the trash. I was glad to be on my way home at the time.

My carry-on now is often just a large purse with a book and an ipod. Occasionally DH and I throw an extra pair of clothes in his backpack lest we get stuck in transit. I don''t bring my laptop most of the time because I don''t travel for work. I don''t have a dvd player or a plane blanket and I never try to put a rolling bag in an overhead bin that is already full. I check my bags because it is easier for everyone.

I imagine with this rule in place, more people will try to cram more into their carry on, causing further delays with the screening process, less available space in the overhead, and general disgust with all passengers on the plane. Air rage, anyone?

 

[Mara]

oh i totally have air rage while sitting on the runway for 45 minutes on the plane while we wait for whatever to be clear. that seems SO prevalent nowadays. i don''t know when herding people onto a plane for 30 minutes to 2 hours became acceptable in flying but it seems to be!!

also, sumbride, i use renu multipurpose and you can buy it in 2 oz bottles (or maybe it''s 2.5oz)...perfect for a 3-4 day trip. whenever i do a 2-3 day biz trip i try to do total carry on and thankfully with most of the manuf making these smaller size items, i can. my contact fluid was the one thing i could not find in smaller bottles but recently i found it on a trip and was like AH HA they do make it!

 

[Delster]

Wow. Over here we get charged for any checked in luggage at all on virtually all short haul flights. Add to that, we get charged if we want to check in at a real check-in desk with a real live human being sitting at it...

 

[sumbride]

Date: 2/6/2008 12:48:27 PM
Author: Mara

also, sumbride, i use renu multipurpose and you can buy it in 2 oz bottles (or maybe it''s 2.5oz)...perfect for a 3-4 day trip. whenever i do a 2-3 day biz trip i try to do total carry on and thankfully with most of the manuf making these smaller size items, i can. my contact fluid was the one thing i could not find in smaller bottles but recently i found it on a trip and was like AH HA they do make it!

Thanks Mara! I''m actually allergic to Renu but maybe I can lobby Optifree to follow suit? Or buy a small bottle of renu, empty it, clean it, and refill it with my solution. Hmmm... Thank you for my next international trip.

 

[meresal]

I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up yet... but this rule does only apply to flights that are "Not Refundable". (ie... all of us that go to expedia, cheapflights, etc... to get lower fares than directly from the airline.)

If you pay full price, are some silver club memeber(something along those lines), are first/business class, or are a corporate flyer... you still get your 2 or 3 checked bags per flight.

 

[love2cook]

Date: 2/4/2008 2:35:57 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Out of curiosity, do you all REALLY travel domestically with two check in bags as a general rule?

I do! Here''s my normal breakdown:

-1 checked suitcase for myself
-1 checked (empty) crate for my dog, he sleeps in this at our destination (this would be the extra $25)
-1 teeny tiny carry-on bag for my dog, who costs $85 for each flight he boards


So with only one ACTUAL bag, not only do I have to pay $25 extra for his sleeping crate, but I''m already having to pay $85 for him just to sleep under the seat on the plane. Each way.

I have a feeling this will mostly affect families (kids=more bags and/or strollers and/or car seats) and people with carry-on pets like me.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 2/6/2008 1:08:33 PM
Author: Delster
Wow. Over here we get charged for any checked in luggage at all on virtually all short haul flights. Add to that, we get charged if we want to check in at a real check-in desk with a real live human being sitting at it...

Delster, if you''re talking about airlines like Ryan air, the difference is that your can get fares for like, 10 euro! I don''t care if they nickle and dime me with fares like THAT.