View Full Version : United to start charging some pax for use of overhead lockers?
alexgreyhead
7th Dec 2016, 17:58
(Apologies if this isn't the best place for this topic).
Apparently, UA have a plan to increase passengers' options - presumably the new lower-cost class of ticket, plus the cost to use the overhead bins, will equate to the current cost of an economy fare...? :confused:
https://gizmodo.com/united-airlines-will-start-charging-for-use-of-overhead-1789781785
Lonewolf_50
7th Dec 2016, 18:11
I already don't fly with them, they just gave me another reason to avoid them. The "increase passenger options" is a curious way to say "charge for basic features" so good on UA for the lie of the week.
albatross
7th Dec 2016, 18:24
Can't wait for the seatbelt and seat cushion surcharges to come into effect! Not to mention the cabin pressurization option.
enola-gay
7th Dec 2016, 18:26
Perhaps UA could add another tier of passenger option... cabin baggage that is escape slide compliant so that you can take with you in an emergency. $10 a bag and a barcode sticker to scan by the CA at the door.
Money for old rope IMO. Charging for what folk do anyway.
Pax Vobiscum
7th Dec 2016, 19:21
How would this be enforced? Lockable bins with a key provided for a small fee? Remove the bins from some rows?? Boarding is already chaotic enough (particularly on US domestic flights) without luckless cabin crew having to tell passengers "you can't put that bag there".
Perhaps what they really mean is that if you're travelling cheapskate class you can only have hand luggage small enough to fit underneath the seat, but (again) enforcement would seem tricky ...
It is very simple. These passengers are due to board last after everyone else is on. They can be checked at the gate to make sure they only have small items that will fit under the seat. Then onboard the crew will have already shut all the lockers and can monitor they are not reopened. There is unlikely to be much space left in any case.
OTP is expected to be much the same, as although these passengers board later there will be less "fights" for overhead locker space. I believe these economy basic fares will be for middle seats only but that may be incorrect
paully
7th Dec 2016, 19:43
Just another relay in the never ending race for the bottom eh
cooperplace
7th Dec 2016, 19:50
at least they didn't say "enhance the customer experience", or worse, "empower", terms much loved by those bottom-feeding lying spin doctors
Alanwsg
7th Dec 2016, 20:31
Mostly false .... (http://www.snopes.com/united-airlines-begin-charging-use-overhead-storage/)
United Airlines to Begin Charging for Use of Overhead Storage? : snopes.com (http://www.snopes.com/united-airlines-begin-charging-use-overhead-storage/)
DaveReidUK
7th Dec 2016, 22:47
Mostly false .... (http://www.snopes.com/united-airlines-begin-charging-use-overhead-storage/)
Although the Snopes article, as well as the quote from United in the OP's link, appears to confirm that they will be charging a higher fare for any passenger who wishes to bring a standard IATA-sized carry-on into the cabin.
But that's OK, if you pay the lower fare you can still put your allowed laptop or lady's handbag in the overhead. :O
crippen
8th Dec 2016, 05:44
https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/planeman.jpg
Half price ticket.;)
vctenderness
8th Dec 2016, 08:47
Has Mental Micky taken over United?
Although the Snopes article, as well as the quote from United in the OP's link, appears to confirm that they will be charging a higher fare for any passenger who wishes to bring a standard IATA-sized carry-on into the cabin.
Or, to look at another way, UA will be charging a lower fare for any passenger willing to travel with a small carry on that will fit under the seat in front.
In reality UA will board these ticket holders last. I doubt if any CC is going to argue if one wishes to use any remaining overhead space.
But it will speed up security and boarding and the pax can choose.
DaveReidUK
8th Dec 2016, 11:45
But it will speed up security and boarding and the pax can choose.
Well it might do, that's clearly the aim.
But only if sufficient passengers who would otherwise take a carry-on opt instead for the cheaper fare.
If, on the other hand, the fare only attracts those who would be travelling light anyway, then they will have to queue up behind the bin-stuffers and boarding could well end up taking longer than before.
US airlines, not just UA, don't give lounge access to domestic F class passengers. They never have, and likely never will. You have to join their club or be a mega-customer.
G-ARZG
11th Dec 2016, 10:17
...and honestly, if the 3 I recently used were representative, you missed nothing (carrot sticks, humus, 'basic' alcohol) 'ZG
Hotel Tango
11th Dec 2016, 14:19
US airlines, not just UA, don't give lounge access to domestic F class passengers
....unless connecting from/to an international sector on the same day (just to be clear).
HT that's right, at the connecting airport.