United Airlines Raises Fee to Change Tickets
Reuters reported yesterday that United Airlines has increased its ticket change fee from $100 to $150. The fee hike is designed to offset rising fuel costs.
United has also implemented another change; in markets where United's routes compete directly with other "legacy" carriers, a Saturday night stay will now be required. It remains to be seen whether business travelers will go along with this change or switch to budget carriers, which typically do not require Saturday night stays.
In other air travel news, Aviation.com is reporting that Delta is the latest "legacy" airline to charge $25 per flight for a second checked bag on domestic flights.
If you plan to fly this summer, be sure to double-check your airline's fees, policies and contract of carriage before you travel. As things continue to change - often with dizzying speed - staying informed is each traveler's responsibility.
Photo © Alex Parode
Comments
Nancy,
Looks like the sign of the times. Non-specialised carriers are going to charge us for “conveniences” just the way the hotels charge us for extra soap and bottled water. I guess I have no problem with that, as long as the airlines are up front about all the charges when you are shopping for flights. Hidden and pop-up costs are unfair and consumers need to speak up about them.
Thanks!
S.
S,
Yes, I think the important part is that airlines tell passengers up front about all the fees and charges associated with flying. Perhaps some of their webmasters should click on over to Ryanair’s site to see what full disclosure looks like.
Currently, we are in a situation where changes are reported in the press and then placed in obscure spots on an airline’s website. People who don’t spend hours researching travel costs might be surprised to find out, for example, that some airlines charge $10 - $15 extra if you purchase tickets by telephone. The fine print changes frequently, and that’s frustrating.
Nancy,
Where can travellers turn if they feel the airlines are misrepresenting charges or hiding them in “plane site” (pun intended). Does the BBB watch over web businesses?