United Air to Charge Some Fliers for 2nd Checked Bag

That is the title of an article you can read here. Doing this will encourage people to bring fewer suitcases or pack their suitcases more efficiently. It could mean less weight on the plane, which is important with higher fuel costs. It makes sense that those with more bags pay more since they use more fuel. But people might just get a bigger suitcase. That one suitcase could carry all that they want and would mean no extra charge. You say the airlines should weigh everyone and charge people partly based on their weight. But that would mean weighing everyone. That would mean buying scales and taking the time to weigh everyone. So the suitcase policy is easier to carry out. It will work as long as people just don't go out and buy one big suitcase.