United Airlines checked bag fees climb $10-50 as fuel prices surge after Iran war
United Airlines has announced an increase in checked bag fees, raising them by $10 to $50 for travelers purchasing tickets starting Friday, marking the first bag fee hike in two years for the airline. This move comes after JetBlue also raised its checked bag fees in late March.
Passengers flying within the US, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America will see a $10 increase on first and second checked bags, with the fee for a third bag jumping by an additional $50.
The airline did not specifically tie the price increase to higher jet fuel costs resulting from the recent conflict with Iran, which has caused significant disruptions in global oil markets. However, United CEO Scott Kirby had previously warned about the potential impact of sustained higher jet fuel costs on company revenue.
Starting April 3, tickets purchased through April 2 will list prepaid bag fees at $45 for the first bag, $55 for the second, and $200 for the third. Similarly, bags paid for within 24 hours of travel will cost $50 for the first bag, $60 for the second, and $200 for the third.
However, customers in most markets can still enjoy a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online 24 hours before their flight for the first two bags.
It’s important to note that eligible passengers, such as United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and travelers in premium cabins, can still check a bag for free.
JetBlue Airways also recently raised its checked bag fees for economy passengers, citing disruptions in global oil supply from the ongoing conflict with Iran. The first checked bag now costs about $39 on non-peak days and about $49 during peak travel periods.
While airlines raising fees can lead to competitors following suit, there have been no indications yet from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, or Frontier Airlines that they plan to implement similar measures.
Fuel costs have surged to multi-year highs following the conflict with Iran, disrupting roughly 20% of the global oil supply that flows through the Strait of Hormuz. As of Thursday, jet fuel in major US markets averaged $4.88 per gallon, up more than 95% from before the conflict began.
