United non-elites must pay for a second checked bag; Spirit boosts fees

In a revision of its checked luggage policy, United said that passengers who are not elite-level members of Mileage Plus or Star Alliance will have to pay a $25 fee for checking a second bag. The first checked bag will not incur a fee. The policy applies to non-elites traveling on non-refundable fares, who purchased tickets on or after February 4 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. United also said passengers at 23 airports in North America must now check their luggage at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure time. At other airports, the baggage check-in rule remains at 30 minutes in advance. For a list of the airports, and for details on the new checked baggage policy, go to: www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines announced that effective February 20, it will increase the fees it charges for all checked luggage. Each piece of checked luggage will now cost $10 if it is pre-booked online (www.spiritair.com) or $20 if you just show up with it at the airport. The old fees were $5 and $10, respectively.