I just read that United is now going to charge you extra for a SECOND piece of luggage when traveling. Industry watchers believe this will be picked up by other airlines! I'm just curious what those of you who travel a lot hink of this. I have read the fee could be as high as $100 a bag. Every time you turn around the fees go higher and higher, I travel a lot with my business and this is getting just plain ridiculous!!!!!! JMHO
United airline
- Thread starter Lookn4help
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Wish they would charge 25 for each carry on-those carry ons really slow down boarding and unboarding!
I'd be happy if they would just try and enforce the SIZE and NUMBER of carry-ons. Half of the time people come on board with everything but the kitchen sink in bags, luggage, boxesetc. etc.
there is a list of inclusions and exclusions to this new fee raping, err structure.
In short, buying the super cheapest fare and having no status with United is going to cost you $25 for that second bag. you won't pay more than $25 unless you start getting into some of the large or oversize packages - which you would have to pay fees for anyway.
Disappointing to say the least, the people that are going to be hit the hardest by this is the family of four headed to disney or something with the kids and all their baggage. there goes $100 of souvenoir money to the baggage monster.
In short, buying the super cheapest fare and having no status with United is going to cost you $25 for that second bag. you won't pay more than $25 unless you start getting into some of the large or oversize packages - which you would have to pay fees for anyway.
Disappointing to say the least, the people that are going to be hit the hardest by this is the family of four headed to disney or something with the kids and all their baggage. there goes $100 of souvenoir money to the baggage monster.
Doesn't a family of four get the right to bring 4 bags free of charge, since they will have paid for 4 tickets and each allows 1 checked bag. I'm sorry but unless a family is leaving for months it should be fine with 4 checked bags.
I'm flying with United in 10 days. I only have one bag but it could be interesting at the terminal if people don't know this rule.
2 years ago out of Detroit they were bumping people because the plane was overweight because of baggage. At least that's what they told us. :shrug:
2 years ago out of Detroit they were bumping people because the plane was overweight because of baggage. At least that's what they told us. :shrug:
It's funny - I travel a lot for business and was just telling my business associate the other day how cheap flying is today - compared with 10 years ago.
In fact, I did see a study that said airfares today (after adjusting for inflation) are $50 LESS than they were 10 years ago.
I kinda thought that was the case, as every flight is almost completely full today - which typically makes for a miserable flight experience.
I almost wish fares were increased - yes, less people would fly, but airlines would still makes the same revenue or more AND the people that are flying would be much more comfortable!
Just think - no more getting caught in the middle seat!
Folks - airfares are a bargain today - it's amazing how low they are, and the nickel and dime approach that airlines have to take now to find a way to increase revenue. AND airline expenses are way up from 10 years ago, led of course by fuel costs.
You can thank Southwest - yes, low fares, but they have turned every carrier into a cattle car. I prefer it the old way, before SW screwed it all up.
I much preferred the days where it was "special" to fly - without all the rude travelors, stuffed airplanes, and screaming kids. It's a lot like riding in a minivan now - with 8 adults and 4 kids stuffed in.
It may sound crazy, but I sure wish they'd raise fares to reduce demand and make it a more comfortable experience for everyone.
JMHO.
You are correct. One paid ticket equals one bag. A family of 4 to Disney may be pushing it with 4 bags but should be fine. The carry-on bags can hold a lot of stuff if necessary. As long as it fit sover-head or they can check the bag before boarding(my preferred method).
I can't believe this is going to happen. I've got a bowling tournament in Albuquerque in April. One bag is 32+ lbs of bowling balls, shoes, etc. My other bag is clothes. I better bowl good because I'm hooked for $200.00 before I even roll a shot.
Damn!
yea it will be close. I think about the family going for like 8-9 days or something.. all those toys, crap for the kids, etc etc... maybe they can swing one each on the way there.. but toss in goodies they buy and they will surely need an extra bag or two coming back.
never flew with kids before?....4 bags might cover it for a long weekend trip, but for a vacation I don't think you could make it by with a couple of kids in tow with all their comfort items...that's not even thinking of all the diapers:scared
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Dawgball: Sorry, I'm not gonna get into it with you. It was just my opinion. Everybody effectively pays the same price for a flight (to some extent). Everybody has the same rights - including a relatively comfortable, peaceful flight.
My comment on rude travelers had more to do with ones that are loud and obnoxious, along with children that are out of control.
If everyone behaved theirself and respected others, flights would be much more enjoyable. Now - it feels like a city bus, not a flight.
But then again, if you only fly once or twice a year, I'm sure your perspective might be different. When you have to do it for a living, taking 50-60 flights a year, again, your perpective is much different.
Have a good day.
If you have status on UAL the point is moot - Mileage Plus or Star Alliance.
"United is announcing a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who 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. Customers who have attained Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus or who have Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner, are exempt from this policy change. The new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Please view the Domestic baggage questions for additional details on this policy.
"
"United is announcing a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who 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. Customers who have attained Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus or who have Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner, are exempt from this policy change. The new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Please view the Domestic baggage questions for additional details on this policy.
"
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I will. thanks.
I've only taken 4 RT flights this year so far, but I won't come close to 50-60.
I don't understand the exclusionary route. If you want exclusive, step up and fly charter or NetJets.
Regular flights are public transportation that you pay a fee for. First class is still with the commoners.
edited to add:
I wonder what how the price compares inflation adjusted with today's charter/NetJets (whichever is cheaper) to flights 15-20 years ago. It might be comparable.
This kind of makes sense. If you want the non city bus feel, the more expensive route could be about right compared to flying a few decades ago.
Mags -- my first statement was only a joke.
Have a good day.
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I said nothing about exclusive. I believe I said everyone has the same rights and expectations - including a peaceful, reasonably comfortable flight.
And no, the last I looked, flights are NOT public transportation. All airlines are private enterprises.
But that is exactly the problem - people view it that way and behave theirselves in that way. If everyone screamed and behaved poorly on flights, nobody would fly because it would be mayhem. Buying a ticket does not give you the right to infringe on another's flying experience. All it gives you is the right to be on that flight.
It is beginning to sound like you are one of those type of travelors that nobody wants to sit next to. That is too bad.
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:mj07:
Wow. I just edited my last post with additional thoughts.
Let's start over. My first comment was a joke.
If you sat beside me, you may not know I am there. Noise-cancelling headphones and a magazine or book. Usually sit in aisle seating just in case I need to use the restroom, I don't want to bother the people next to me. I do usually have a cocktail, so you may here me request that during flight.
I understand your pain with other travelers. I will take crying babies over stinky, fat people crowding my seat any day... if I have a choice.
My feeling is that since there is government assistance (maybe I'm wrong on that) for airlines, then flying is a form of paid-for public transportation.
Dawgball - no worries. My last comment was undeserved and I apologize. I don't know what got into me - I usually don't get into arguments on the internet.
Anywhoo - have a good day.
Mags, the airlines are "public transportation", in that they are how the public fly. Similar to the bus is how people with no vehicle get around.
Now, I understand your plight as a multi-flight traveler. The thing is.......it's very hard to sympathize with you. You see, you sound exactly like the guys I see, and hate, in every airport I've ever been in.
You feel that since you fly "more than most", it should garner you some exclusivity. A lot of this comes from a certain familiararity with the proccess of flying, I am sure. Like anything in life, when you are more adroit at it, the "newbies" or once-in-a-while folks tend to raise the blood pressure a bit. If you golf, you don't want the Sunday hacker in front of you all day. If you're at the checkout, you don't want the person grabbing their checkbook and starting the check AFTER they are told the final total. Things like that. As a regular flier, you have it all down cold. Most don't.
Sure, you add the ill-mannered in there on the plane, and that doesn't help. But the thing for me? The "business traveler" has always seemed to be the biggest prick of all time in the airport when it comes to manners! And by appearance, it seems to go back to the attitude that you seem to have on the subject:
You guys think the airport, and the planes, are yours.......everyone else is intruding on your space!
Yeah, I hate the loud kid in the atrium while I'm eating that $11 cold sandwich. Parents oblivious to his playing, while other people cast their stares. But, I hate even more the businessman yaking into his Blackberry loudly 18" to my left while I'm in the same setting.
Yeah, I hate kids running around past me while I'm heading from one gate to the next, and maybe bumping into me. Even more so, I hate when Bluetooth is running past me with a multi-decker carry-on on wheels, and rolls over me, and three other people, but doesn't miss a beat in his conversation.
But, I'm sure at some point he'll interupt his own phone call to mention all the goddamned kids running around his airport.
So, you are right. If everyone took care of their own laundry......no one would have an issue.
Now, I understand your plight as a multi-flight traveler. The thing is.......it's very hard to sympathize with you. You see, you sound exactly like the guys I see, and hate, in every airport I've ever been in.
You feel that since you fly "more than most", it should garner you some exclusivity. A lot of this comes from a certain familiararity with the proccess of flying, I am sure. Like anything in life, when you are more adroit at it, the "newbies" or once-in-a-while folks tend to raise the blood pressure a bit. If you golf, you don't want the Sunday hacker in front of you all day. If you're at the checkout, you don't want the person grabbing their checkbook and starting the check AFTER they are told the final total. Things like that. As a regular flier, you have it all down cold. Most don't.
Sure, you add the ill-mannered in there on the plane, and that doesn't help. But the thing for me? The "business traveler" has always seemed to be the biggest prick of all time in the airport when it comes to manners! And by appearance, it seems to go back to the attitude that you seem to have on the subject:
You guys think the airport, and the planes, are yours.......everyone else is intruding on your space!
Yeah, I hate the loud kid in the atrium while I'm eating that $11 cold sandwich. Parents oblivious to his playing, while other people cast their stares. But, I hate even more the businessman yaking into his Blackberry loudly 18" to my left while I'm in the same setting.
Yeah, I hate kids running around past me while I'm heading from one gate to the next, and maybe bumping into me. Even more so, I hate when Bluetooth is running past me with a multi-decker carry-on on wheels, and rolls over me, and three other people, but doesn't miss a beat in his conversation.
But, I'm sure at some point he'll interupt his own phone call to mention all the goddamned kids running around his airport.
So, you are right. If everyone took care of their own laundry......no one would have an issue.
Well, I don't even know where to begin with this. You have been known to stir the pot.
My original point still stands - control the demand by tighting supply - increase airfares. That will make it a better experience for everyone.
And the business traveler? Well, I'm sorry your experience with them has been poor. I tend to find them to be the ones working on their laptop, reading the WallStreet and not making a sound on the flights I've been on.
The important thing to keep in mind - you should bless the business traveler. They are the ones that make it possible for Joe, Sue and their 3 kids to fly.
Business travelers pay much higher fares than Joe Public, due to not being to plan business travel in many cases in advance. They provide the airlines extensive revenue by flying an enormous amount of miles each year.
Without the business traveler, leisure flying would increase in price exponentially. Airlnes should and do care much more about the business travelor than the family that takes 1 trip a year. It is just simple economics.
Sorry you had bad luck with business travelors - you'd love sitting by me - I don't make a sound (other than the occasional snoring), and I'm not fat so I don't intrude on your seat (unlike most Wisconsin people). And that's all I ask of any other passenger on the plane - keep your voice to a reasonable level so you don't bother anyone else and don't crowd me in my seat.
Is that too much to ask?
