United Airlines Increases Checked Baggage Fees

United Airlines is implementing a price increase for checked baggage, effective for tickets purchased starting Friday. This marks the airline’s first fee hike in two years and follows a similar announcement from JetBlue Airways.

Fee Increases for Checked Bags

The increase affects travel within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. First and second checked bags will now cost $10 more, bringing the fees to $45 and $55 respectively when prepaid. The fee for a third checked bag will see a more substantial increase of $50, reaching $200.

Last-Minute Baggage Fees

Passengers paying for their bags within 24 hours of travel will face even higher fees: $50 for the first bag, $60 for the second, and $200 for the third. United Airlines emphasizes that customers who prepay online at least 24 hours before their flight will still receive a $5 discount in most markets.

Exemptions and Context

Certain passengers are exempt from these new fees, including those holding United Chase credit cards, MileagePlus Premier members, active military personnel, and travelers in premium cabins. The airline’s decision comes as the industry grapples with rising fuel costs.

Rising Fuel Costs and Industry Trends

While United did not directly attribute the increase to fuel costs, CEO Scott Kirby has previously voiced concerns about the financial impact of sustained higher fuel prices. JetBlue Airways also recently increased its baggage fees in late March, citing disruptions in global oil supply and the conflict affecting oil prices.

Kirby warned that continued high fuel costs could negatively impact the company’s profitability, noting that jet fuel prices have more than doubled in recent weeks. Despite the fee increase, United maintains that demand for air travel remains strong. Fuel costs have surged to multi-year highs, averaging $4.88 per gallon in major U.S. markets.

Competitor Response

As of now, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines have not announced any similar changes to their baggage fee structures.