Title is accurate eg United doubles the fees unlike Southwest.

I'm complaining because other airlines have less fees eg Southwest so this post is simply advise other travellers that there are better alternatives when this situation occurs. As they state on the PA at the end of the flight "We know you have alternatives and thank you for your business".

In my case I was shipping a package in a box. Certainly if I just had some suitcases I would have carried 1.5 pounds out or split to two suitcases.

I'm not saying the airline did anything wrong but rather only advise you could save $350 flying Southwest vs United everything else being equal. Again vote with your feet and your dollars.

It's hidden in the sense that when you search fares the large fees are not disclosed. Again no faux pas on United's part - they can charge whatever they want of course, but just letting people know there are alternatives.

{I}nformation that allows customers make an educated choice is worthwhile.

Southwest takes up to 100 pounds:
https://www.southwest.com/html/custo...-bags-pol.html

"Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $75.00 per item one-way. Only one $75.00 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, regardless of the weight as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs."