One of the world’s largest carriers, United Airlines, is facing fresh criticism over its plans to charge passengers extra for the use of overhead lockers. The airline, which flew almost 139m passengers in 2015, will introduce a new “basic economy” fare in 2017. Those who opt for the cheapest ticket will be allowed to travel with a single small item of luggage, measuring no more than 9” x 10” x 17” (23cm x 25cm x 43cm), but they must place it under a seat and not in the overhead bins. They will also be automatically allocated a seat on the day of departure, meaning passengers on the same ticket could be forced to sit apart.
United claims the move, announced last month, does not amount to a new fee. Those who want to stow their hand luggage overhead can still do so if they choose the standard economy fare, it says.
United expects the changes to raise around $1bn by 2020. Those choosing a standard economy fare, it is therefore reasonable to assume, will be expected to pay significantly more than they do now.
Travellers reacted with anger over the decision, with some calling for a boycott of the airline, and now the outcry has reached US Congress.
“It’s one of the most restrictive policies on airline passengers we have seen in a long time,” said Chuck Schumer, a New York Senator.
“The overhead bin is one of the last sacred conveniences of air travel and the fact that United Airlines – and potentially others – plan to take that convenience away unless you pay up is really troubling. It seems like each year, airlines devise a new, ill-conceived plan to hit consumers and it has simply got to stop.”
Hardest hit by the changes, which will be introduced in the first quarter of 2017 for travel in the second quarter and beyond, could be those travelling with children as they generally carry more luggage. Elderly passengers who need to wheel their cases could also be affected more than most.
United is not the first airline to charge extra for carry-on luggage. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz, for example, permits passengers to carry a small item of luggage (25cm x 32cm x 42cm) for free, but charges for larger cabin bags (typically around £16 per flight). Those smaller bags can however, space permitting, be placed in overhead lockers.
The overhead locker charge isn’t the first eyebrow-raising fee we’ve seen over the years…
A charge – dismissed as a “breathing tax” – was unveiled by Venezuela’s biggest international airport in 2014. Maiquetia International Airport in Caracas announced that all passengers would be subject to a 127 bolivar (£12) per-person tax upon departure to cover the cost of a newly-installed air purification system.
Samoa Air became the first airline to charge passengers according to how heavy they are. The policy may not be as ridiculous as it sounds – a poll by media house suggested that nearly 80 per cent support “pay as you weigh” air fares.
Back in 2011, Belfast International Airport introduced a £1 charge for passengers wishing to access the dedicated smoking area, angering those in need of a pre-flight cigarette. They still charge for entry.
Remember to pack a clear plastic bag for your toiletries next time you’re heading to Luton Airport. It persists in charging passengers £1 to obtain two from a vending machine at security – despite almost every other airport providing them free of charge.
Ridiculous charges
Research in 2014 found that just six of Britain’s 24 airports allow drivers to drop off and pick up passengers directly in front of the main terminal building for free. Luton charges £2.50 for up to 10 minutes of parking outside the main terminal. Drivers who stay 15 minutes must pay £3.50 (no prolonged weepy goodbyes then), rising to a whopping £9 for 30 minutes. If you stay for more than 30 minutes, you’ll have to pay £1 per minute – with no maximum charge. Ouch. A penalty of £50 is levied to those who exceed the 10-minute time allowance at London Stansted.
Norwegian, known for its low-cost long-haul services, charges $5 for use of a blanket, JetBlue $5 for a blanket and $6 for a pillow, Virgin America $10 for either.
Until 2014, Ryanair charged all passengers a €2/£2 “EU261 levy” to offset the cost of paying compensation for flight delays and cancellations under EU regulations. Rather cheeky considering it touted itself as Europe’s most “on-time” airline.
Dozens of airlines do it – but Ryanair remains the worst, charging passengers a staggering £110 (or £160 at the airport) if they need to correct a spelling mistake on their ticket. Mercifully, they waive the fee if the error is spotted within 24 hours of booking.
Passengers flying from Newquay, Durham, Norwich and Blackpool are essentially charged twice to use the airport. While taxes and fees are included in your airline ticket, those using these four must pay an additional “airport development fee” of up to £10 even before they can take off.
Despite the fluctuating price of fuel during the past decade, fuel surcharges have only gone in one direction.
In 2012 it was reported in a newspaper that airlines had, between April 2011 and July 2012, increased their surcharges by 53 per cent, while in contrast oil prices had risen only by just 24 per cent. BA during that time had hiked it by around 40 per cent, to between £75 and £119.50 per person. And this is one area where no-frills airlines excel as they don’t levy them.
