US Airways will begin charging $25 (”12.50) for a second checked-in bag from 5 May, and United Airlines will do the same on domestic flights.
A statement from the former airline says the ”service fee” will apply to all flights within the US, and to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.
US Airways will waive the fee for its most frequent customers, including: all Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman”s Preferred); First Class and Envoy passengers, and Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members. Unaccompanied minors are also exempt.
The fee applies to tickets purchased on or after 26 February for travel on or after 5 May ” customers who already bought tickets for travel after 5 May will not have to pay. Otherwise, the fee is payable at airport kiosks with a credit card, or at the check-in counter with a card, cash or cheque.
United will charge passengers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets, but economy travellers who have attained Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus, or who have Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner, are exempt, as are all First and Business class customers.
This policy applies to flights purchased on or after 4 February, also for travel on or after 5 May.