United Cancels Fee Increase for Second Checked Bag

United Airlines has canceled its previously announced plans to increase the domestic second bag fee from $25 to $50 one way. The fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight will remain $25 one way. It also is offering customers a 20 percent discount on the fee to check a first bag when they pay for it on www.united.com between Nov. 10, 2008 and Jan. 31, 2009.

Continental, United plan cooperation

We received notice on Thursday evening announcing that United and Continental plans to cooperate globally, linking their networks and services worldwide. Also, Continental will go on to join the Star Alliance network. This is a huge blow for the Sky Team network whose key members in the US were Delta, NWA, and Continental. With 2 of the 3 merging and now Continental leaving, this potentially leaves Delta/NWA in a uncertain situation with Continental’s strong presence in flights to Latin America.

Obviously, the new partnership will allow customers to have a new frequent flier reciprocity on both carriers, along with access to both airport lounges for elite status members. Also, this will allow for code sharing flights not only domestically, but also internationally.