2 airlines raise baggage fees: What to know
abcnews.com • • general
Key Points:
- United Airlines is increasing checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3, marking the first baggage fee hike in two years.
- Most passengers will now pay $45 for a first checked bag if prepaid, or $50 if paid within 24 hours of the flight; second checked bags will cost $55 prepaid or $60 if paid later.
- The fee increase applies to travelers within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America, though certain groups like United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military, and premium cabin passengers continue to receive free checked bags.
- Rising jet fuel prices, which have doubled since the start of the year and reached $4.88 per gallon, are driving increased costs for airlines and expected airfare hikes.
- United CEO Scott Kirby warned that sustained high fuel prices could cost the airline an additional $11 billion annually, prompting United to reduce capacity on some flights and increase fares by 15-20% on others.
