United gets tough on carry-on bags
United Airlines is getting tough with oversized carry-on bags.
Although its rules haven’t changed, the carrier enforcing its policy more strictly.
It has installed new equipment for checking bag sizes at many airports and also e-mailed frequent flyers with a reminder of its carry-on policy. Those who turn up with bags that are larger than permitted are, in some cases, being charged to check them in.
According to an internal newsletter, it is a "renewed focus on carry-on compliance."
The airline’s passengers are allowed to take one bag aboard measuring no more than 22x14x9 inches, along with an additional small item such as a laptop bag or small handbag.
United’s long-standing policy has been to allow oversized bags to be checked-in for free, but now anyone stopped at security with bulky luggage will be sent back to the ticket counter to check in each bag for $25.
United said it hopes to speed up the boarding process and ultimately, the time an aircraft spends on the tarmac.
Earlier this year United’s chief revenue officer Jim Compton said the carrier was hoping to earn an extra $700 million in ancillary fees over the next four years.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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