united airlines
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united airlines The airline raised its checked baggage fees by $10 on Thursday, becoming the second U.S. airline to raise fees in less than a week, as the industry grapples with rising fuel costs this year, the biggest expense for airlines after payroll.
United’s new fee for checking the first bag on most domestic itineraries will be $45 if travelers pay in advance and $50 if paid within 24 hours of the flight.
“United Airlines is increasing the first and second checked bag fees by $10 for customers traveling to the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America starting with tickets purchased on Friday, April 3,” the airline announced.
United last increased its checked baggage fees in February 2024, and like other airlines, it is trying to cover recent increases in jet fuel costs.
Fuel prices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York averaged $4.88 a gallon on Thursday, nearly double the price from the day before the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran on Feb. 28, according to Argus data released by the industry group Airlines for America.
jet blue airlines As first reported by CNBC, the company on Monday increased its checked baggage fees to at least $4 per bag and up to $9 per bag, depending on when a customer books their trip.
Competitors often follow suit with such price increases. However, there are loopholes. Airline credit cards often offer free checked baggage to customers traveling domestically by bus, usually as a perk of elite frequent flyer status. First class seats also usually include free checked baggage.
United Airlines said, “United Chase credit cardholders, MileagePlus Premier members, active duty military, and premium cabin customers will continue to be able to check a bag for free, and customers in most markets will continue to receive a $5 discount when they prepay for their baggage online 24 hours before their flight.”
Fuel prices are also rising at gas stations and other sectors. Amazon CNBC reported earlier Thursday that the company will add a 3.5% “fuel and logistics surcharge” to the fees it collects from third-party sellers who use its fulfillment services.
— CNBC’s Annie Palmer contributed to this article.
