[taco.vidal]

Airlines should just move to a system of charging for total combined weight of passenger and bags, similar to how cargo is shipped.

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/business...fees-1.3855016

United Continental will become the first major U.S. air carrier to limit its lowest-fare customers to one carry-on bag that fits under the seat in front of them — not the overhead bin, which will be reserved for those who paid more.

Starting in January, America's third largest airline will roll out a new fare class, known as "basic economy."

"This new offering provides customers the option of paying the lowest fares to their destinations, while still receiving the same standard economy experience, including food, beverage, Wi-Fi and personal device entertainment, with a few key differences," the airline said.

Among them:

No pre-assigned seating. Your seat number will be issued to you only on the day of travel
You will board last, after all other passengers, in a new boarding group — group 5.
You'll be allowed only one personal carry-on item that must fit under the seat in front.

The move goes one step further than actions by Delta and American, which this year already moved to eliminate reserved seating, the ability to change travel plans on the same day without a fee, and the ability to accrue frequent flyer miles on its cheapest fares.