United Airlines increased checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3.
The airline cited rising fuel costs as the reason for the increase. This move comes a day after JetBlue increased its baggage fees. JetBlue says that charging more for its optional services helps keep base fares competitive.
Checked Bag Fees Increase
This is United’s first increase in checked bag fees in the last two years. The airline last increased checked bag fees in February 2024.
The first checked bag for travel within the US, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America now costs $45 if paid online at least 24 hours before departure. If paid within 24 hours, the first checked bag costs $50.
The second checked bag costs $55 for advance payment and $60 for same-day payment. A third checked bag costs $200. All these rates apply to baggage weighing up to 22.7 kg.
United passengers who prepay online at least 24 hours before the flight receive a $5 discount on the first and second bags. Similar to JetBlue, United credit card holders and qualifying loyalty program members can still enjoy free checked bags.
International airlines are also taking similar steps to catch up with the rising fuel costs. Cathay Pacific has already increased its fuel surcharge by 34%, from $149 to $200, starting April 1. Air France-KLM, on the other hand, increased its round-trip fuel surcharge by 50 euros.
Jet Fuel Doubled in Price
Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled since the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28. Iranian leaders responded by constricting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for transporting oil from the Middle East. The conflict disrupted approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. As a result, fuel that cost $2.44 in February jumped to $4.88 on Thursday.
United CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged the need to raise prices to cope with current fuel costs. He also warned that airfares could rise by up to 20%. After labor, airlines rank fuel as their second-largest expense.
