United Airlines will raise checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3. The airline cited higher operating costs and fuel prices. It became the second major U.S. carrier this week to increase baggage charges.
This is United’s first checked bag fee increase in more than two years, following its last change in February 2024. The move comes days after JetBlue raised its own baggage charges.
Earlier this year, American Airlines raised its fee for a second checked bag by $5.
Market conditions and industry trends
United Airlines said the changes align with market conditions and industry trends. Analysts expect higher fuel costs to be passed along through add-on fees for services such as checked bags and seat upgrades, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to spring and summer bookings, according to CNBC.
Fuel prices have surged to multi-year highs since late February. Prices surged following the strikes on Iran and retaliatory strikes in the Middle East. The conflict disrupted roughly 20% of global oil supply. The International Air Transport Association said jet fuel prices doubled between February 27 and March 27, according to The New York Times.
United CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged the need to raise prices to cope with fuel, the second-largest airline expense after labor. He warned that airfares could rise as much as 20% if jet fuel does not ease.
Elevated oil prices “create a lot of stress” he said.
International carriers are making similar moves. Cathay Pacific increased its fuel surcharge 34% from $149 to $200 starting April 1. Air France-KLM raised its round-trip fuel surcharge to 50 euros.
Scandinavian Airlines introduced a “temporary fuel-related price adjustment” to offset higher fuel costs. Company spokesperson, Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, said significant cost increases require a response to maintain stable and reliable operations.
45$ online
For travel within the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America, the first checked bag in United Airlines flights will now cost $45 if paid online at least 24 hours before departure and $50 if paid within 24 hours. The second will be $55 in advance and $60 within 24 hours. A third checked bag will be $200. These rates apply to bags up to 22.7 kilograms. United said customers who prepay online at least 24 hours before their flight will receive a $5 discount on the first and second bags.
JetBlue’s first checked bag paid more than 24 hours before departure is now $39, and a first checked bag paid at departure during peak periods is $59. On peak travel dates, the first and second bags are $49 and $69, respectively.