CollegiateLuggage.com - Where opinions and facts share equal time

On February 4th, UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, the world's second-largest carrier, will boost income by charging some passengers $25 to check a second piece of luggage.

United, the first major U.S. airline to announce such a policy, said it expects $100 million in savings and new revenue from the change. The fee applies to travelers with cheaper tickets who aren't among United's most frequent fliers.

United and other airlines are trying to offset a 50 percent jump in jet-fuel prices over the past 12 months. Some, such as Chicago-based United and American Airlines, are studying ways to charge for non-ticket services, allowing carriers to collect more money without raising fares higher than competitors.

Industry observers believe that other airlines will watch and see how it works for United. The response from their customers will determine whether it sticks. Spokesmen for American parent AMR Corp., Delta Air Lines Inc., Continental Airlines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. declined to comment on whether they are considering a similar fee. A US Airways Group Inc. spokesman said the carrier doesn't plan to follow United's move.

Some discount airlines such as Ryanair Holdings PLC, Europe's largest budget carrier, charge to check any bags at all. Southwest Airlines Co., the world's biggest low-fare carrier, began assessing $25 for a third checked bag on Jan. 29.

We here at CollegiateLuggage.com believe that the joy of travel needs a helpful boost to counter the negative aspects of paying for your luggage when you fly. With that in mind we offer our new WT-22 "Werks 22-inch Wheeled Upright Bag." It is designated as carry-on size for most domestic airlines in the U.S. Just extend the telescoping handle and wheel it aboard the aircraft. Six round trips and the bag will have paid for itself! Luggage is our bag baby, yeah!