United Airlines will follow rival American Airlines in charging $15 for a first checked bag. The new fee was announced today, 3 weeks after American set the precedent. United says the fee affects customers who buy tickets beginning tomorrow for domestic flights Aug. 18 or later.
Also, the Chicago-based carrier is increasing the fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags, or items that require special handling to $125 from $100, or to $250 from $200, depending on the item. As of July 1, Southwest Airlines will be the only US carrier that permits two checked bags for free, notes an airline expert. (More American Airlines stories.)