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

United Airlines is raising checked bag fees by $10 to $50 for travelers purchasing tickets starting Friday, the company confirmed to Fox Business on Thursday.The increase, which the airline said marks its first bag fee hike in two years, comes after JetBlue announced similar measures in late March. Customers flying within the US, Mexico, Canada and Latin America can expect a $10 increase on first and second checked bags, while the fee for a third bag will jump by an additional $50.The airline did not specify whether the price increase was tied to higher jet fuel costs stemming from the recent Iran war, which has drastically disrupted global oil markets.However, United CEO Scott Kirby warned in recent weeks that sustained higher jet fuel costs could strain company revenue. “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.  Currently, tickets sold through April 2 list prepaid bag fees at $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third.

Starting Friday, those fees will increase to $45, $55, and $200, respectively.Similarly, bags paid within 24 hours of travel currently cost $40 for the first bag, $50 for the second, and $150 for the third.Starting Friday, those fees will increase 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 bags. The airline emphasized that eligible passengers — such as United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and travelers in premium cabins — can still check a bag for free. Earlier in March, Kirby acknowledged the rising pressure from higher jet fuel prices, noting that over the course of a year, the increased costs could exceed twice the company’s most ...