United launches subscriptions for bags, legroom

Now that passengers are getting used to airline fees, the latest trend might be subscriptions (no, not to the in-flight magazine).

Surf Air recently announced that you can subscribe to its "all you can fly" services for $1,650 a month. And now United has unveiled three new subscription programs for baggage, legroom, and access to United Club lounges.

For one passenger traveling with one bag in the continental United States, the cost is $349 per year. For more money you can add companion travelers, more bags, and expand your travel regions.

If you want to sit in United's Economy Plus section every time you fly -- which basically means you get more legroom in seats near the front of the cabin -- it will cost $499.

And for unlimited access to United Club lounges -- with complimentary Wi-Fi and snacks -- you'll pay $500 annually.

"The Economy Plus and checked baggage subscriptions offer our customers more of the comfort and convenience they value year round," said Scott Wilson, United's vice president of merchandising and e-commerce. "We are pleased that, as we launch these services, we are able to provide new options for customers to tailor their travel experiences."

And for United it's a new attempt at boosting revenue from airline fees by offering these unlimited services with the hope, of course, that enough people don't use the full value of the subscriptions. Globally, airlines are quickly growing ancillary revenue -- revenue from non-ticketed sources. In 2007 it accounted for 0.5 percent of revenue and now it's up to 5 percent.

For now, United is the only airline to offer a subscription to these services. But, just like baggage fees, don't be surprised to see other airlines offering similar programs in the near future.

Photo: Flickr/zenobia_joy

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com