United to charge $25 for second suitcase

CHICAGO, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Checking a second bag with United Airlines will cost some domestic fliers $25 beginning May 5, United said.

United Airlines is charging for the second suitcase in an effort to keep fares low in a time of rising fuel costs.

Frequent fliers who have logged more than 25,000 miles on United flights in the past year, those flying business or first class and those flying on government or military fares will not be charged the extra fee.

"This charge enables us to continue offering customers competitive fares, and it fits with our overall strategy to tailor our products and services around what customers value most and are willing to pay for," said John Tague, executive vice president and chief revenue officer, in a statement.

The airline could reap $100 million annually from the new fee policy.

Customer reaction was predictably negative. "That's unbelievable. It's like charging for a refill on a soda," passenger Matt Perno told the Chicago Tribune.

United said the fee would continue, "as long as customers want low fares," but industry analysts concluded that other airlines would have to follow suit or United would be seen as nickel-and-diming customers.

"I'm sure United is hoping others follow," aviation consultant Robert Mann said. "Then it won't be the only guy who is gouging people."