United Airlines Hikes Fee for Checking Second Bag

United Airlines has decided to double its fee for a second checked bag on a domestic flight from $25 to $50 one-way. The airline estimated that the $50 fee would apply to about one out of seven customers. First- and business-class customers and United’s frequent fliers don’t have to pay the new charge.

The airline said the $50 one-way fee will apply for tickets (bought earlier this week) for travel beginning November 10 within the U.S. or to or from Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

As per the information available, United said the potential revenue from its merchandising efforts, including checked bag fees, will be $700 million in 2009.

One new program allowing travelers to pay extra to earn double or triple award miles on a flight is on track to bring in an extra $1.5 million in revenue in its first month after sales to about 20,000 people, said Kathryn Mikells, the company’s chief of investor relations.