NEW YORK (AP) — United Airlines is getting tough on passengers with oversized carry-on bags.
The
Chicago-based airline has installed new bag-sizers at most airports. It
also emailed its frequent fliers, reminding them of its rules on
carry-on size. United says there is no change in policy — just a
campaign to improve passenger awareness.
Some of United’s new
sizers are located prior to security checkpoints. As of Saturday,
employees contracted by the airline are sending passengers whose bag
exceeds the dimensions for carry-ons back to the ticket counter, where
they check the bag and pay a $25 fee. Airlines have traditionally asked
people with oversized bags to check them at the gate, but waived the $25
fee at that point.
Some travelers are suggesting this is part of a
larger attempt by United to collect more fees. The airline says it’s
simply trying to speed up the boarding process.
The size limits on
carry-on bags have been in place for years, but airlines have been
inconsistent in enforcing them. Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag
to fit in the overhead bin that needs to be 9 inches by 14 inches by 22
inches or smaller. They can also bring along one personal item such as a
purse or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of them.
The
process of getting on a plane dramatically changed in 2008 when U.S.
airlines started charging $25 to check a suitcase. To avoid the fee,
more passengers started bringing their suitcases — many of them
overstuffed — into the airplane cabin. Suddenly there wasn’t enough room
in the overhead bins for everyone’s bag.
Although more United passengers may end up paying a $25 fee, having fewer bags on board could also have
its benefits.
"I’ve
been whacked more times than I can count by people loaded down with
their life’s worldly possessions," says Brian Kelly, an industry watcher
who writes about flying trends at ThePointsGuy.com.
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Scott Mayerowitz can be reached at http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott.
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