When did United start charging for carry-on bags?

United's new Basic Economy fares will charge for carry-on bags. PUBLISHED: November 16, 2016 at 10:07 a.m. | UPDATED: April 8, 2018 at 2:24 p.m. The skies aren't so friendly if you're on a budget. United announced Tuesday that it's charging its lowest-fare passengers to use the overhead bins.



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Those traveling on domestic basic economy tickets are only allowed to bring a personal item — no free carry-on. If you bring a carry-on bag with you to the gate, you'll have to pay the checked bag fee and a $25 gate handling charge.

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United's bag policy for basic economy tickets will continue to allow only a personal item. The airline polices this by restricting check-in options for basic economy travelers, something American did not do when it had a carry-on bag ban.

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United restricts full-sized carry-ons for its basic economy tickets. Basic economy tickets are ineligible for refunds and don't include seat selection. Economy Plus features standard economy seats with extra legroom. Standard economy includes seat selection and a free carry-on.

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Snyder said there were a couple of financial factors that played into the decision by airlines to begin charging for first and second checked bags in 2008. One, he said, is that the carriers were facing the Great Recession. Another was a spike in fuel prices.

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You can avoid United checked bag fees by paying more to travel in premium economy, business or first class. Passengers in these cabins receive two free checked bags on domestic flights. Those flying in business or first class have a 70-pound baggage allowance.

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And, United generally allows a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item on all tickets, except on basic economy fares. One important detail is that free bags are for the first and second checked bag fee and can't be stacked on top of each other.

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You're not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you're a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold member.

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A quick easy way is to go into your reservation on the United website or app and try to select a seat. If you are Basic Economy, it won't let you select a seat or have a seat assignment in advance unless you purchased one.

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Get extra legroom and a seat in front of the Economy sections with Economy Plus®. Economy Plus is available on all United flights and most United Express® flights. You can upgrade to an Economy Plus seat at any time from booking to check-in.

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Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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depending on the plane, one inch might not be a big deal. If it is a problem, they make you either check it at the front desk, the gate, or if you're having trouble fitting it in the overhead bin or under your seat, the flight attendant will help you gate check it plane side.

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Global Services Domestic Flights: First checked bag free (50 pounds) International Flights: 2 to 3 free checked bags (50 pounds)

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