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United Raises Bag Fees, Becoming Second U.S. Carrier to up the Price This Week
The airline said higher jet fuel costs are driving the increase, and some travelers will still qualify for free bag checks or discounts.
- On Friday, April 3, 2026, United Airlines began charging $10 more for first and second checked bags on flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America, marking the carrier's first baggage fee hike in two years.
- Rising fuel costs prompted the price increase, as jet fuel in major U.S. markets has surged more than 95% since the conflict with Iran began on February 28, making fuel the industry's largest expense after labor.
- United's new fees range from $45 to $200 depending on bag number and purchase timing, following JetBlue Airways' similar increase earlier this week; most markets offer a $5 discount for prepaying online.
- MileagePlus Premier members, active military personnel, and premium cabin customers remain exempt from the increases, as United noted this strategy keeps base fares competitive while managing higher operating costs.
- United CEO Scott Kirby warned recently that sustained oil prices "create a lot of stress" for airlines, while Amazon and other sectors have implemented fuel surcharges to offset rising operational expenses.
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Checking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as Iran war sends jet fuel costs up nearly 100% in major hubs
Most travelers flying with United Airlines will now pay $10 more to check their luggage beginning on Friday, as rising jet fuel costs driven by the war in the Middle East pushes another major U.S. carrier to increase fees. Customers traveling in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now pay $45 for their first piece of luggage and $55 for their second bag, according to United. “This is the first time in two years the airline h…
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources73
Leaning Left9Leaning Right7Center46Last UpdatedBias Distribution74% Center
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources are Center
74% Center
15%
C 74%
11%
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