United Airlines Discounts Fees to Check First Bag Online and Rescinds Planned Increase to Second Bag Fee

CHICAGO, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United is offering customers a 20 percent discount on the fee to check a first bag when they pay for it on united.com between Nov. 10, 2008 and Jan. 31, 2009. United also has canceled its previously-announced plans to increase the domestic second bag fee from $25 to $50 one way. The fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight will remain $25 one way.

Starting on Nov. 10, 2008, customers may do all of the following on united.com from the comfort of their home, office or hotel without waiting in line at the airport:

-- pay fees for checked baggage, which enables them to use special united.com bag drop areas at select airports;

-- purchase seating in Economy Plus, which starts at $14 one way, to enjoy up to five extra inches of legroom; and

-- purchase Award Accelerator, which starts at $9, to earn travel awards faster by multiplying the number of Mileage Plus miles earned on United flights.

"Now our customers may enjoy more convenience and better value when they check-in at united.com before their trip," says Dennis Cary, chief marketing and customer officer. "We are listening to our customers, and these changes are designed to give them more choice and flexibility to customize their travel experience while keeping our prices competitive in a rapidly changing market environment."

United also recently launched its new Door-to-Door Baggage service that enables customers to conveniently ship their suitcases, or other travel items like skis or golf clubs, overnight directly to their destination within the 48 contiguous United States. United's prices are simple and more economical than similar overnight services offered by other luggage shipping services. More information about Door-to-Door Baggage, Economy Plus seating, Award Accelerator and all the Travel Options by United is available at united.com/traveloptions.

The fees to check a first or second bag do not apply to customers who are flying in United First(R) or United Business(R), have Premier or above status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders.

The $15 first bag and $25 second bag fees apply to customers who purchase a ticket for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Customers may continue to carry on one bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer that fits under the seat or in an overhead bin. For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada), checking a first and second bag that weighs less than 50 pounds continues to be free.

Details on United's checked bag policy are available at united.com/baggage.

About United

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) operates nearly 3,000* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 975 destinations in 162 countries worldwide. United's 52,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

*Based on United's flight schedule between October 2008 and October 2009.