Jaunted

The only upside of course lies in the internet, and the advantage of completing everything virtually without using one of United's employees. When you check into your flights online, you'll have the option to pay the second checked bag fee right there an then, with your credit card. Going about it this way will save you an extra $5 off of both the Europe and Mexico/Caribbean fee, bringing it down to $45 and $35, respectively. They only started doing that extra-$5-if-checked-at-airport thing May, so that means we can maybe expect another news of fees from United in several more months.

"Booooo," we say to confusing baggage fees. Thumbs down. Of course if you're special, these fees don't affect you. The Chicago Tribune has the deal on the special exempt folks:

The fees will not apply to customers in United's first- or business-class cabins, Global Services members, Mileage Plus members with Premier Associate status or higher, or fliers holding Star Alliance silver or gold status. U.S. military personnel traveling on orders and their dependents are also exempt.

Related Stories:
· United Airlines joining 2nd-bag-fee parade for many international flights [Chicago Tribune]
· United Air Adds Second-Bag Fee For European Flights [WSJ]
· Baggage Fee Lowdown: United Airlines [Jaunted]
· Baggage Fees Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: flissphil]