United Airlines has announced it will begin charging passengers $US50.00 for their second piece of checked luggage on Trans-Atlantic flights, and US$30.00 for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Passengers can save 10% on the charge if they pre-pay for their luggage via United’s website.

The move follows charges by fellow American-based carriers, Continental Airlines and US Airways.

Trans-Pacific carriers have so far avoided checked luggage fees on routes to/from Australia, and the United move does not apply to its Sydney and Melbourne services.