United Airlines Raises Bag Fees, Introduces Tiered Premium Fares

Airline cites rising fuel costs driven by Middle East conflict as reason for changes

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:23pm

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United Airlines is increasing the cost to check a first bag by $10, with the new fee now at $45 for flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. The airline is also introducing a new tiered premium fare structure on select long-haul international and transcontinental routes, offering a basic fare with fewer perks alongside standard and flexible premium options.

Why it matters

The bag fee hike and premium fare changes come as United and other major U.S. airlines face rising jet fuel costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has severely disrupted global oil supplies. Airlines are under pressure to find new revenue streams to offset these increased operating expenses.

The details

United's first checked bag fee has increased from $35 to $45, while a second bag will now cost $55. The airline says this is the first time in two years it has raised bag fees. Some United passengers, such as co-branded credit card holders and those in premium cabins, will still receive a free first checked bag. Customers checking bags less than 24 hours before departure will pay an additional $5. United is also introducing a new tiered premium fare structure, with a basic fare offering a lower upfront price but fewer extras like advance seat selection and refunds, a standard fare with common perks, and a flexible top-tier option.

  • The bag fee increase took effect on April 4, 2026.
  • United plans to introduce the new premium fare structure in select markets this month and expand it across more routes later in 2026.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has raised checked bag fees and introduced a tiered premium fare structure in response to rising jet fuel costs driven by the conflict in the Middle East.

Scott Kirby

The CEO of United Airlines, who stated that the rising fuel costs since the conflict began have already added roughly $400 million to the airline's operating costs.

JetBlue

Another U.S. airline that has also raised its checked baggage fees earlier this week, citing the need to keep base fares competitive while charging more for optional services.

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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

What’s next

United plans to introduce the new premium fare structure in select markets this month and expand it across more routes later in 2026.

The takeaway

The bag fee hike and premium fare changes at United Airlines are the latest examples of how major U.S. carriers are responding to rising jet fuel costs by passing on those increased expenses to consumers through higher fees and fares. This trend is likely to continue as the conflict in the Middle East persists and disrupts global oil supplies.