United To Charge Domestic Passengers For Additional Bags

United Airlines today said it would charge customers $25 to check a second bag if they are flying on a nonrefundable domestic ticket and do not have Mileage Plus or Star Alliance status. The new policy impacts bookings for travel beginning May 5.

United today said it also would charge passengers an additional $100 per bag for up to four additional bags, regardless of mileage status. For checked luggage that requires "special handling," United will charge $100 or $200, "depending on the item."

The carrier said the new policy does not apply to itineraries that include international flights, except those to Canada. For international flights, "checking a second bag will continue to be free and the cost to check more than two bags or items that are overweight or require special handling varies by destination," United said in a statement today.

United expects the new baggage policies to garner more than $100 million a year in savings and revenue.