As if 2016 hasn’t been hard enough on us already (Trump, Brexit, Alan Rickman, Bowie, Prince), an American airline has decided to charge passengers for use of overhead luggage compartments on their flights.
United Airlines have announced a new pricing scheme called “Basic Economy” which will charge passengers an added fee if they wish to bring a larger carry-on bag on board.
Basic Economy travellers also won’t be allocated seats until the day of their travel meaning large groups or families most likely won’t be sitting together and they also won’t accrue miles towards UA’s lifetime mileage rewards system.
“The overhead bin is one of the last sacred conveniences of air travel,” New York senator, Charles E. Schumer wrote on his website.
“The fact that United Airlines—and potentially others—plan to take that convenience away unless you pay up is really troubling.”
We couldn’t agree with you more, Charles. The company reps took to Twitter to soften the blow of the announcement which will come into effect on New Year’s Day.
They said the option is a cheaper alternative to standard economy rather than a replacement. Yet, the company predict they’ll make $1billion USD (£793,191,250 GBP) on the initiative by 2020.
While no news yet on whether local airlines will be following their lead, UA has multiple flights to Europe a day.
If you’re a carry-on kind of person, may be best to double check your allowance before your next flight.
As WHO radio tweeted, “How long before we have to pay for oxygen?”
Kevin Johnston, head of press for United Airlines, said: "You're allowed to bring a small personal item on board, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less."
"Full-size carry-on bags are not allowed unless you're a Premier member, a primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or a Star Alliance Gold member.
"Basic Economy fares have the same checked baggage policies as regular United Economy tickets. Customers also have the option to buy a United Economy fare where they are allowed a personal item and a carry-on bag for overhead bin storage at no additional cost."
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