United Airlines checked bag fees climb $10-50 as fuel prices surge

United Airlines checked bag fees climb $10-50 as fuel prices surge

United Airlines is elevating checked bag fees by $10 to $50 for vacationers buying tickets beginning Friday, the company confirmed to Fox Business on Thursday.

The enhance, which the airline said marks its first bag price hike in two years, comes after JetBlue announced related measures in late March. 

Customers flying within the US, Mexico, Canada and Latin America can count on a $10 enhance on first and second checked luggage, while the price for a 3rd bag will soar by a further $50.

The airline didn’t specify whether or not the value enhance was tied to greater jet fuel prices stemming from the current Iran battle, which has drastically disrupted global oil markets. However, United CEO Scott Kirby warned in current weeks that sustained greater jet fuel prices may pressure company income. 

“United is raising first and second checked bag fees by $10 for customers traveling in the US, Mexico and Canada and Latin America beginning with tickets purchased Friday, April 3,” the airline said.  

United Airlines is elevating checked bag fees by $10 to $50 for vacationers buying tickets beginning Friday. Ryan – inventory.adobe.com

Currently, tickets bought via April 2 checklist pay as you go bag fees at $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third. Starting Friday, those fees will enhance to $45, $55, and $200, respectively.

Similarly, luggage paid within 24 hours of journey at present price $40 for the first bag, $50 for the second, and $150 for the third. Starting Friday, those fees will enhance to $50, $60, and $200, respectively.

“Customers in most markets will still enjoy a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online 24 hours before their flight,” the airline said, referring to the first two luggage. 

The enhance marks United Airlines’ first bag price hike in two years. Greatbass.com – inventory.adobe.com

The airline emphasised that eligible passengers — such as United Chase bank card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, lively navy members, and vacationers in premium cabins — can still verify a bag free of charge. 

Earlier in March, Kirby acknowledged the rising stress from greater jet fuel prices, noting that over the course of a yr, the elevated prices may exceed twice the company’s most worthwhile yr.

“The reality is, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the last three weeks,” the CEO wrote in a memo to staff. “If prices stayed at this level, it will imply an additional $11B in annual expense just for jet fuel. For perspective, in United’s best yr ever, we made less than $5B.

“The reality is, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the last three weeks,” United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said. Getty Images

“That may sound scary, but the first piece of good news is that, for now at least, demand remains the strongest we’ve ever seen. The 10 biggest booked revenue weeks in our history have been the last 10 weeks.”

Earlier this week, JetBlue Airways also raised its checked bag fees for financial system passengers, citing disruptions in global oil provide from the ongoing Iran battle.

Under the new construction, the first checked bag now prices about $39 on non‑peak days and about $49 during peak journey intervals, up roughly $4–$9 in contrast with earlier charges.

When an airline raises fees, rivals often observe. However, there have been no further indications yet from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, or Frontier Airlines that they plan to take related measures.

Fuel prices have surged to multi-year highs after the US–Israel battle with Iran erupted on Feb. 28, disrupting roughly 20% of the global oil provide that usually flows via the Strait of Hormuz.

As of Thursday, jet fuel in major US markets averaged $4.88 per gallon, up more than 95% from the day before the battle started, according to Argus data revealed by Airlines for America.

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