economy
United raises bag fees, becoming second U.S. carrier to up the price this week
United Airlines is raising its fees for first and second checked bags, becoming the second U.S. airline to up the price this week.
TL;DR
- United Airlines is raising fees for first and second checked bags by $10.
- The new fees apply to flights in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America.
- The first checked bag will cost $45 if paid in advance, or $50 at the airport.
- The second checked bag will cost $55 if paid in advance, or $60 at the airport.
- Customers who bought tickets before Friday, April 3, are exempt from the new fees.
- United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military, and premium cabin travelers can still check a bag for free.
- This is the first price increase for checked bags in two years.
- JetBlue also raised its checked bag fees this week, citing rising operating costs.
- Rising fuel prices, partly due to the Iran war, are a contributing factor to increased airline costs.
- United's CEO mentioned that elevated oil prices create stress for airlines and have led to a 15-20% increase in airfares over the past month.