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Checking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as jet fuel costs soar
The airline said higher jet fuel costs are driving the increase, and some customers will still qualify for a free first checked bag.
- 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.
113 Articles
113 Articles
The Daily Caller
Conflict In Iran Forces Airline To Hike Checked Baggage Fees
United Airlines hiked checked baggage fees by $10 as fuel prices nearly doubled since Iran war began. JetBlue raised fees days earlier. More hikes expected.
United raised the cost of luggage on flights from the United States, Mexico and Latin America to a large extent because of the fuel surge: this you will pay
Bag fees up, new tiered premium fares for United Airlines amid rising fuel costs
Most travelers flying with United Airlines will pay $10 more to check their luggage beginning on Friday, as higher jet fuel costs driven by the war in the Middle East push another major U.S. carrier to increase fees.
Most United Airlines passengers will now have to pay an additional US$10 to check in their baggage starting on Friday, as the rising cost of kerosene, due to the war in the Middle East, pushes another major U.S. airline to increase its fares.
Checking a bag on one major airline will now cost you $10 more as jet fuel prices soar
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.
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