United Airlines announced a new domestic baggage policy  policy this week that will start charging if you want to check a second bag. With a few exceptions, most folks who buy a restricted economy ticket will have to fork over another $25 if they want to check a second bag. As far as I know, they are the first U.S. airline to start charging for a second checked bag.  Most allow two checked bags, up to 50 lbs. each, per passenger. United, like the other legacy airlines (US Airways, Delta, Northwest, American) have been trying like crazy to cut costs to make them more competitive with low-cost carriers such as Southwest, Airtran and JetBlue. While some in the media have been decrying the loss of another airline service we use to get for free, personally it's not a big deal for me.  I realize that the competitive pressures in the airline industry these days provide me with airfares that, even adjusted for inflation, are cheaper than they were 20 years ago. To maintain these low fares, airlines started cutting back on services. Movies and music on board?  Don't need, them, as I carry a video iPod and a book, which provide all the stimulation I need on a flight. Food?  You gotta be kidding. That was the first thing I didn't miss when airlines eliminated meals. And now,starting to charge for extra bags. We'll have to wait and see if other airlines match United's policy, but at this point I say, "Who cares?" I can't remember the last time I checked two bags, and I've been traveling regularly for the last 25 years, sometimes for two weeks at a time. To me, the most important factors when choosing an airline are cost, schedule and on-time performance. (I would also add safety, but commercial airline travel is so safe these days that the difference between major airlines is statistically insignificant.) Add in not losing or delaying delivery of my bags, and a friendly, helpful staff, and I'll be as loyal to your airline as a Labrador retriever is to his master.