United Airlines Hikes Bag Fees as Fuel Costs Soar

Airline cites rising jet fuel prices driven by Middle East conflict as reason for $10 increase on first checked bag.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:10am

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A close-up photograph of a single, polished metal luggage tag with the United Airlines logo floating against a dark grey background, conveying the premium corporate symbolism of rising air travel costs.As jet fuel prices soar, United Airlines joins other major carriers in passing along the rising costs to passengers through increased baggage fees.Chicago Today

United Airlines announced that it will raise the fee for the first checked bag by $10, from $35 to $45, for flights within the United States, Mexico, Canada and Latin America. The airline cited higher jet fuel costs driven by the ongoing war in the Middle East as the reason for the increase. United joins other major U.S. carriers like JetBlue in passing along rising fuel expenses to customers through higher baggage and other ancillary fees.

Why it matters

Airline fuel costs have surged in recent months due to supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, putting pressure on carriers to find new revenue streams. While some airlines have opted for fuel surcharges or ticket price hikes, United and others are increasingly turning to add-on fees for services like checked bags to offset the rising operating expenses.

The details

Effective Friday, United's first checked bag fee will increase from $35 to $45, while the second checked bag will go up from $45 to $55. United said this is the first time in two years the airline has raised bag fees. Some United passengers, including co-branded credit card holders, loyalty program members, active military, and those in premium cabins, will still receive a free first checked bag. Customers who check bags less than 24 hours before departure will pay an additional $5.

  • The new bag fees take effect on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • United last raised its bag fees two years ago.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that is raising checked bag fees due to higher jet fuel costs.

Scott Kirby

The CEO of United Airlines, who said the rising fuel costs since the Middle East conflict began have added around $400 million to the airline's operating expenses.

JetBlue

Another U.S. airline that recently raised its checked bag fees by $9 during peak travel periods.

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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 said it plans to introduce a new fare structure in select markets this month that will divide premium cabin seats into three tiers with varying levels of included perks. The airline plans to expand this new fare model across more routes later this year.

The takeaway

As airlines face rising fuel costs, they are increasingly turning to add-on fees for services like checked bags to offset the higher operating expenses. This trend is likely to continue, with carriers seeking new revenue streams beyond just raising base fares.