United Airlines to charge fee to check single bag

By Kyle Peterson

CHICAGO (Reuters) - UAL Corp's United Airlines matched American Airlines' controversial $15 fee to check a single bag on Thursday as the industry struggles to offset soaring fuel prices.

The parent of the No. 2 U.S. airline also said it raised the fee it charges to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling to $125 from $100, or to $250 from $200, depending on the item.

New bag-check fees, which have rankled the traveling public, are part of a broad effort by airlines to charge passengers for services that used to be included in the fare. Some carriers charge for in-flight perks such as meals, drinks and snacks.

"With record-breaking fuel prices, we must pursue new revenue opportunities, while continuing to offer competitive fares, by tailoring our products and services around what our customers value most and are willing to pay for," John Tague, UAL's chief operating officer, said in a statement.

The U.S. airline industry has been clobbered by soaring fuel costs, an expense that led to steep losses in the first quarter. The price of jet fuel is directly linked to the price of crude oil, which hit a record high above $139 a barrel last week.

Carriers have repeatedly hiked fares to offset that cost, but experts say a weakening U.S. economy could hamper airlines' ability to raise their prices.

United's single-bag fee is the second such fee launched by a major airline. The airline was the first legacy carrier to implement a $25 fee to check a second bag.

The changes apply to customers who buy a ticket on or after June 13 for travel within the United States and to or from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after August 18. The $15 fee does not apply to some customers who are members of United's loyalty programs.