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New United bag rules


Matt Mayer

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Just flew UA for the first time since the final merging of their computer system, changeover to the new Frequent Flyer program, etc the first week of March.

Evidently they have completely re-done their Media Baggage rules. You can't just walk up to the counter with a Media ID or anything like that anymore, you need to notify them 48 hours before the flight.

Here is an excerpt from an email sent out by CBS News:

All – please note as a result of the merger of United and Continental over the weekend, their procedures have changed in order to qualify for the excess media bag rate.
  • The former Continental media bag cards are now invalid
  • We (CBS Travel) need to provide United 48 hours notice when we have a traveler checking excess # of bags
  • The media bag rate is only available for US and Canada travel
  • Please advise the CBS Travel agent that you will be checking excess bags and provide approximate # of bags
  • Attached is additional information

Yes, you and I know that 48 hours makes no sense during breaking news situations but it seems whoever came up with this procedure at United, doesn’t understand the customer’s needs. I am working with my counterparts at CNN, ABC and Fox to push United in amending the above, however, we need to wait for the dust to settle after their transition from this weekend.

If possible, consider flying American, Delta or Alaska Airlines as they still offer the media bag rate for domestic and international flights (no codeshare flights) without advance notice. Even though Jetblue does not officially offer a media bag rate, if you send me copies of the receipts from paying their normal bag fees, I can get a credit for the difference to $50/bag.

Please advise any crew members that I may have missedThanks and let me know if there are any questions.

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Did CBS ever consider that United fully understands the issue and is looking to pick up a bunch of extra excess baggage dollars?

Eric

I am sure that the Continental employees that are now in charge are aware they are taking a calculated risk in trying to generate extra revenue. It's just like a fare increase, they are trying it to see if other airlines will follow their lead. In my opinion, they are shooting themselves in the foot. It's all well and good that CBS or other companies/networks/organizations that have corporate travel departments can do all the coordination for this, but what about the other smaller documentary companies that I travel for? How do they deal with it other than avoiding UA?

The risk they are running is that once Media companies become aware of the new rules, they will stay away from United in droves killing fare revenue not to mention the excess baggage. I am a United fan, but it will be really hard to justify using my preferred airline if it will cost the company double the amount for the baggage.

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  • 2 years later...

So fast forward two years later.... Is there an airline that still does media rates? I thought there was a thread saying only one still does. I usually just get an email from production with confirmation info. The asking I have done to airline employes, like at Delta yesterday, was met with blank stares. They did tell me they see Pelican cases pop open all the time because the latches get caught on the smaller conveyer belts. Fun.

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Johnpaul,

 

United has since backed off their post-merger baggage rules.

 

Haven't shown up with 20 bags recently, but I have been successful getting a 4th checked bag (I get three free) on the plane for only $50.

 

I have friends who fly American extensively and they haven't said anything about having issues getting a media rate.

 

USAir was $200 for anything past 4, so we will see where the AA/US merger takes us.

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