United Is Latest Airline to Increase Baggage Fees

26.02.2024 - 21:15 / travelandleisure.com / Airlines

United Airlines just became the latest carrier to increase checked baggage fees this year, implementing the change over the weekend.

Going forward, travelers flying in North America will have to pay $5 more for each checked bag, an airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure. A first checked bag will now cost $40 (or $35 if travelers pay at least 24 hours in advance), and a second checked bag will now cost $50 (or $45 if travelers pay in advance).

The spokesperson told T+L this is the first time baggage fees are being raised in four years, and added the carrier was in the process of installing larger overhead bins for carry-on bags on its mainline aircraft.

United will still allow travelers to check a bag for free if they are flying in a premium cabin, are a United Chase credit card holder, a MileagePlus Premier member, or an active military member. The airline will also continue to offer the option to check a first bag for free on long-haul international flights, and charge $100 for a second checked bag.

United isn’t alone in raising the prices for checked luggage. Earlier this month, JetBlue increased its own baggage fees by $10 and American Airlines similarly increased its baggage fees. In January, Alaska Airlines also raised checked baggage rates by $5.

Baggage fees aren’t the only thing United is changing. Late last year, the airline updated its boarding procedure to allow travelers in window and middle seats to board earlier in an effort to speed up the process. And last summer, the carrier also upgraded its app to allow customers to automatically rebook their flight if it was delayed or canceled as well as request meal, hotel, or ground transportation vouchers.

The carrier has also been expanding its network with plenty of new flights to Canada, more service to Florida, and resumed service to Israel.