US Airlines Are Hiking Bag Fees Amid Iran War Oil Crisis

Key Points:

• United Airlines is raising checked baggage fees by $10 for the first and second bags on flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America, with the new prices effective for tickets purchased from April 3; third checked bag fees are increasing by $50 to $200.
• JetBlue has also increased its first checked bag fees to $39 during off-peak times and $49 during peak periods, with an additional $10 charge for payments made less than 24 hours before departure, citing rising operating costs.
• Both airlines' fee hikes come amid rising jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route.
• Other international carriers like Air France and Cathay Pacific are also raising fares and fuel surcharges in response to increased jet fuel prices driven by the volatile Middle East situation.
• Certain travelers, such as United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military personnel, and premium cabin passengers, remain exempt from the new baggage fees on United flights.