The Not-So Friendly Skiesby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 01 Jul 2008 03:26 PM In addition to the outrageous luggage fees, the sky-high fuel surcharges and the price passengers are now being made to pay just to get a drink of water in mid-air, the second-largest U.S. carrier is now slapping on an additional travel restriction. United Airlines just announced that it will require minimum stays for nearly all domestic flights beginning in October. And that's not all; execs with the airline say they plan to raise the carrier's cheapest fares by as much as $90 one-way. And by now we don't even need to ask why. At this point any changes to ticket prices can be blamed on one thing: record high fuel prices. I think it is important to note that the Chicago-based airline has been among the most aggressive in the industry in pushing fares and fuel surcharges higher in recent months, and in doing so it prompts other carriers to consider following suit. And, of course, that leaves cash-strapped travelers dealing with yet another hit to their wallets. According to United reps, beginning October 6th, most United fares will require a one- to three-night or weekend-night minimum stay. And take note: the new rule will apply to nearly every ticket. The move has many business travelers, who prefer to catch flights out early in the morning so they can make it back home in time for dinner, furious at the airline. United says determining how long you'll have to stay under its new minimum-stay policy will depend on the destinations involved, the price of the ticket and the length of the flight. For example, according to execs with the company, travelers booking the cheapest seats between Chicago and Minneapolis or Boston and San Diego will now be forced to stay three nights or the entire weekend. As for the fare hike, United says it is raising its lowest fares by $1 to $90 one-way, meaning the least expensive available United ticket will now cost travelers $69 to $199 one-way, depending on the length of the flight. Related Articles: Summer Travel Tips: Pack Your Patience and Some Common Sense New Airline Fees--Keeping it Straight More Bad News for Cash Strapped Flyers Say Good Bye to Free Pretzels and Peanuts No Such Thing As A Free Ride... Or Free Pretzels Travel Insanity---Airline Charges for One Checked Bag Airline Luggage Wars--Can It Get Any Worse? More Luggage Restrictions... Are You Ready For This? Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Discuss this article
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