Overview
- United, which put the change into effect Friday for newly purchased tickets, raised first and second bag fees by $10 on routes in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America.
- The first checked bag now costs $45 if paid 24 hours or more before departure or $50 within 24 hours, the second costs $55 prepaid or $60, and the third rose to $200.
- United says this is its first bag-fee increase in two years and confirms that many flyers still get a free bag through a United credit card, MileagePlus Premier status, active-duty military status, or a premium-cabin ticket.
- Carriers point to a jump in jet fuel costs after disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, with Argus data showing U.S. jet fuel around $4.6 to $4.9 a gallon—roughly double since late February.
- JetBlue raised baggage fees earlier in the week, and history shows competitors often follow such moves to lift revenue without raising base fares, which are taxed unlike most optional fees.