Originally Posted by GoingAway
Aside from earning additional revenue for the airlines, I thought the weight restrictions had to do with minimizing issues with the baggage handlers and back injuries.
You have a point .... but UA's approach in dealing with it does not sound very logical:
lets see .... 60lbs bag and no fee -> back injury .....
but 60lbs bag with 25$ fee -> no back injury .....
I never guessed that those "HEAVY" stickers were costing UA 25$ a piece !
More seriously, I agree that there are increased risks for handlers with heavier bags .... but it's a question of labeling and sticking to a hard weight limit (that no fee or status should override) !