United Airlines is getting tough with super-sized carry-on bags.
Although rules remain unchanged, the carrier is look to enforce its policy more strictly – even sending passengers back to check bags in for a fee.
United has installed new equipment for checking bag sizes at many airports and also e-mailed frequent flyers with a reminder of the carry-on policy.
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 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches, along with an additional small item such as a laptop bag or purse.
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 the bag for a $25 fee.~ ~
United said it hopes to speed up the boarding process and ultimately, the time an aircraft spends on the tarmac.
However many travelers believe it is simply an excuse to generate more revenue.
Earlier this year United’s chief revenue officer Jim Compton said the carrier was hoping to get an extra $700 million in ancillary fees over the next four years.
