United Airlines will increase checked baggage fees starting Friday, the airline announced.
Starting with tickets purchased on April 3, passengers will pay an additional $10 when checking a bag on most flights.
Going forward, United’s standard baggage fees for flights within the US, Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now total $50.
Passengers will continue to enjoy a $5 discount if they prepay for their luggage at least 24 hours before departure, in which case the cost would be $45.
The Chicago-based airline also increased the fee for your second bag by $10. A second checked bag will now cost $60, or $55 for customers who pay in advance.
Could more airlines follow?
United is the second U.S. airline to raise checked baggage fees this week. Airlines are facing rising jet fuel costs amid a global rise in oil prices. which have also led to higher rates and led countless international airlines to add fuel surcharges to tickets.
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JetBlue was the first to increase checked baggage fees earlier this week.
But with one of the three largest traditional U.S. airlines raising baggage fees, other airlines may well follow suit. Historically, airlines have often followed each other in increasing checked baggage fees.
United and most competitors The last time baggage fees increased was in early 2024.
Free bags at United
there is still ways to get a free bag on United.
Airline offers free luggage to MileagePlus members who win premier elite status and carry a eligible co-branded credit card. Those benefits are still valid.
United’s move to increase baggage fees came the same day the airline put Radical changes were implemented in their loyalty program.which will cause credit card holders to earn more miles than before, but will cause all other travelers to earn fewer miles on flights.
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Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
