Airline News: United Airlines Adds San Francisco-Kansas City Route

Midwesterners wanting to escape to the West Coast will soon have another airline option on their hands: starting Oct. 25, United Airlines will add flights between Kansas City and San Francisco.

The once-daily round-trip flight will be operated by United Express affiliate SkyWest. Passengers will be able to choose from coach, economy plus and first-class seating on board the 66-seat Bombardier CRJ 700 regional jet.

A quick search on United.com and we found flights from Kansas City to San Francisco as low as $201 round-trip, including taxes and fees.

$100 Off United Airlines Vacation Packages

Still debating whether or not to take a summer vacation? United is sweetening the pot.

United Airlines is giving travelers up to $100 off a summer vacation package booked with United by June 30. Travel to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico or throughout the United States to earn the $100 discount. The total discount will depend on the total cost of your vacation package:

• $100 off on vacations of $2,500 or more
• $75 off on vacations of $2,000 - $2,499
• $50 off on vacations of $1,500 - $1,999
• $25 of on vacations of $1,000 - $1,499

Airlines Up Checked Baggage Fees

Airlines are upping their checked baggage fees, and some airlines are adding additional charges to those travelers who don't check-in their bags online before arriving at the airport.

According to BudgetTravel, United and US Airways will start charging travelers an additional $5 for not checking in bags ahead of time online. Those travelers arriving at the airport with bags to check will pay the already established $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second, and an additional $5 for using the counter. 

Discount Airfare: United's Summer Fare Sale

Still haven't planned your summer vacation? No worries, there's plenty of cheap airfare still available.

United recently announced a summer travel sale that pretty much covers all points throughout U.S. where United flies - just pick a city and get out of town. Top destinations include flights to Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The rules are simple: purchase by June 18, 2009 and travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Oct. 28, 2009.

United Airlines Moves Up Start Date for Non-stop Pittsburgh Flights

Seems travelers on the East Coast are anxious to get to the Pacific.

United Airlines announced it will move up the start date for its new non-stop Pittsburgh flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Discount Airfare: United's Same-Day Fare Sale

Who hasn’t dreamed of spontaneously booking a flight bound for a new city and an adventurous day trip? United can turn that daydream into a reality.

The airline is offering same-day flights to select cities this Saturday starting at $49 OW.

Here’s what you need to do: Book your flight by Friday, June 5. Outbound travel must take place before 11 a.m. CST on Saturday. Return flights must be after 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Discount Airfare: United Cheap Flights to Japan

Europe isn’t the only place to visit this summer. United has cheap flights to Japan on sale until tomorrow, May 27.

Fares start at $320 each way for travel between June 5 and Aug. 31. To get these prices, you must travel Monday through Thursday.

Caribbean Vacation Deals from 40% Off

What's better than a luxurious hotel on a Caribbean beach? How about 40 percent off that luxurious hotel.

When you book a 3-night stay with US Airways Vacations, get 40 percent off your stay at the 4.5-star Westin Casuarina Grand Cayman or the 4-star Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach.

The package includes airfare, accommodations for three nights and airport transfers.  Prices start at $654/person at Westin Casuarina and $701/person at Westin St. Maarten.

United to Charge Passengers for 'Priority' Access

What's a few dollars more when it comes to travel? That's the question United Airlines is asking after all the controversy surrounding its latest travel fee: pony up an additional $39 for each leg of your trip and United will move you to the front of the check-in and security line.

According to reports, when you buy your United ticket online or check in at the airport, you'll have the option of 'upgrading' your travel status to 'premier class', which buys you quicker security lines and priority boarding.

However, many industry insiders are up in arms over this added fee. Bloggers at the Walletpop.com are calling these fees a 'rip-off' and just another attempt to gain money from travelers.

United Airlines Ups Baggage Fees

If you're planning on checking your bags at the airport, plan to pay more for your checked luggage.

United Airlines will raise its airport baggage fees to $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second bag, effective June 10. However, United will keep the current price ($15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag) if you pay the fee online.

United's new baggage rates will go into effect for tickets purchased as of May 14.