Traveling is getting expensive. On Friday, United Airlines became the third major U.S. airline to raise its checked baggage fees for customers traveling in North America.
The decision mimics American Airlines and JetBlue Airways similar increases.
United passengers flying economy in the U.S. after Feb. 24 pay $40 for a first checked bag, or $35 if the prepay. A second checked bag will cost $50 at the airport and $45 in advance, Reuters reported.
Last year, the airline industry made $5 billion off checked baggage fees.
CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg says planes can’t accommodate carry-ons now.
“The game that so many passengers are playing is getting their bags through security and out to the gate and then having the airline say, ‘Well, we’re going to have to gate check the bag for free,’ and they go, ‘Oh, OK!'” Greenberg said.
It’s also gotten to the point that people are stuffing a pillowcase to be counted as a carry-on.
“There are garment manufacturers now making jackets with up to 35 pockets so that you’re literally wearing your bag onto the plane as a coat. I’m not kidding!”
Despite it being the off season the price to travel is at record highs.
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