United Airlines is waving off competition to the US by allowing Australians travelling in Economy to fly with 46 kilos in checked baggage for free.
Announcing its new baggage policy this morning, the carrier will allow Australians to fly to the US with two free check-in bags each weighing up to 23 kilograms.
The offer is available to passengers that book a flight between Australia and the US in Economy from 4 November 2015 to fly on or after 17 December.
In a statement, the carrier said extra baggage demonstrates its commitment to the local market.
The announcement follows the carrier’s announcement in August to refresh its Australian services by replacing the Boeing 777-200 aircraft with the 787-9.
Effective 27 March next year the Dreamliner will fly on the carrier’s Sydney-San Francisco and its Sydney-Los Angeles services.
Managing Director for Japan and the Pacific, Alison Espley, said the aircraft is a ‘game-changer’ for the airline and both its routes from Sydney.
“This is another great milestone for United in Australia.”
Alison Espley, United Managing Director for Japan and the Pacific
Changes to the airlines local services will also help swat off increased competition from American Airlines and Qantas on trans-Pacific routes.
Earlier this year, the Flying Kangaroo announced its return to San Francisco with weekly services to the Golden Gate City commencing in December. The number of flights will increase to six times a week in January next year.
The new flights will be operated by the carrier’s four Boeing 747 currently being used on flights to LA.
To maintain its presence in the City of Angels, Qantas’ codeshare partner, American Airlines will pick up Qantas’ LA flights using its new Boeing 777-300ER.
