United Airlines Increases Checked Bag Fees in Response to Rising Fuel Costs
United Airlines announced on Thursday, April 2, 2026, that it is raising checked baggage fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3. This makes it the second major U.S. carrier this week to increase fees as the industry grapples with soaring fuel costs driven by the ongoing Iran conflict.
Under the new pricing structure, passengers will have to pay:
- $45 for their first checked bag on most domestic itineraries if they prepay at least 24 hours before departure
- $50 if they pay within 24 hours of their flight
- Second checked bags will cost $55 with prepayment or $60 without
- Third bags will jump $50 to $200
The increases apply to flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America.
The fee hike comes as jet fuel prices have reached $4.88 per gallon on Thursday – nearly double the price since before the U.S. involvement in the Iran war began. United CEO Scott Kirby previously told employees that current fuel prices could cost the airline an additional $11 billion annually if they don’t fall. This marks the first time United has raised bag fees in two years, following a similar move by JetBlue earlier in the week.
However, United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check bags for free. Industry analysts expect other major carriers to follow suit with similar fee increases.
Source: CNBC