Just as Southwest Airlines claimed a victory at William P. Hobby Airport and United Airlines threatened retaliation with massive job cuts in the Houston market, the latter airline has saddled its passengers with higher fees — this time increasing prices on international luggage.
Effective June 1, United began charging $100 for a second checked bag on international flights from the United States to Europe, the Middle East, India and most of Africa.
The increased fees are expected to yield a "modest" annual profit of approximately $30 million.
The first checked bag remains free with the cost of a ticket, but the upsurge for a second bag represents a 43 percent increase over the $70 baggage fee of yesteryear (which was increased from $50 just the year before).
The Chicago Tribune reports that United initiated the price hike despite the lowering cost of jet-fuel and ongoing instability in the European economy. The increased fees are expected to yield a "modest" annual profit of approximately $30 million, with non-premier passengers footing much of the bill.
Prices for other destination remain largely unchanged, excepting a drop in second bag fees from $70 to $40 on flights from the U.S. to Micronesia.
Is this no biggie, or yet another reason for passengers to be vexed with United?
