United Airlines Passengers May Opt To Ship Bags Through FedEx

October 31, 2008 4:59 p.m. EST

Chicago, IL (AHN) - United Airlines passengers may opt to ship their luggage through FedEx than have it checked in at the airport.

UAL and FedEx teamed up for a door-to-door baggage service to free passengers from the hassles of waiting and long lines at airport luggage carousels.

The overnight deliveries will cost $149 for one-way flights less than 1,000 miles and $179 for longer flights.

Passengers may schedule and pay for the new baggage courier service 10 days before departure. The bags may be picked up from homes or offices between noon and 6 p.m. or dropped off at any FedEx shipping center. A luggage is delivered to the passenger's destination by 4:30 p.m. the following day at a specified address.

UAL expects additional revenue estimated at $1 billion next year.

In a related development, the airline increased last month the charge for a second checked bag to $50, effective November 10.