United Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees by $10 Amid Soaring Jet Fuel Costs

The airline cites the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil supplies as the reason for the fee hike.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of airline boarding passes, a metal luggage tag, and a set of car keys arranged elegantly on a clean, white seamless background. The objects are lit dramatically with sharp shadows, conceptually representing the financial impact of rising fuel costs on the airline industry.As jet fuel prices soar, major U.S. airlines are forced to pass along the higher operating costs to consumers through increased checked bag fees and other optional service charges.Chicago Today

United Airlines is increasing the cost to check a bag by $10, with the first bag now costing $45 and the second bag $55. The airline cited the rise in jet fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the reason for the fee hike, the first in two years. Some passengers will still be able to check a bag for free, including those with co-branded credit cards, certain loyalty members, active military, and those in premium cabins.

Why it matters

The increase in checked bag fees by United and other major U.S. airlines is a direct response to the surge in jet fuel costs, which is the second largest expense for airlines after labor. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate wildly due to global oil supply disruptions, airlines are passing these higher operating costs on to consumers through optional fee increases rather than raising base fares.

The details

Beginning on Friday, United Airlines customers traveling within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America will pay $45 for their first checked bag and $55 for their second bag, a $10 increase per bag. United said this is the first time in two years the airline has raised bag fees. Some passengers will still receive a free first checked bag, including co-branded credit card holders, certain loyalty-tier members, active military personnel and travelers in premium cabins. Customers who check bags less than 24 hours before departure will pay an additional $5.

  • The new checked bag fees go into effect on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • United last raised checked bag fees two years ago.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that is increasing checked bag fees in response to rising jet fuel costs.

JetBlue

Another U.S. airline that has also raised checked bag fees in recent days due to the surge in jet fuel prices.

Scott Kirby

The CEO of United Airlines, who said the higher jet fuel costs had already added roughly $400 million to the airline's operating costs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is the first time in two years the airline has raised bag fees.”

— United Airlines

“Charging more for optional services used by select customers helps keep base fares competitive.”

— JetBlue

“The higher jet fuel costs had already added roughly $400 million to operating costs.”

— Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines

What’s next

Analysts expect other major U.S. airlines to follow United and JetBlue in raising checked bag fees or other optional service charges in the coming weeks as jet fuel prices remain elevated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The takeaway

The fee hikes by United and other airlines highlight the significant financial strain that rising jet fuel costs are placing on the airline industry. While passengers will bear the brunt of these increases, the airlines are attempting to protect their bottom lines and keep base fares competitive by passing along the higher operating expenses through optional add-on fees.