Earlier this week, JetBlue became the first airline in the United States to raise checked bag fees in recent times. This is an area where JetBlue typically “leads,” and there’s now news, as one of the “big three” carriers has taken a cue from JetBlue.
United seeks to enhance revenue through heightened checked bag fees
Airlines are undeniably facing a particularly challenging situation right now. We’ve seen a significant surge in fuel costs, which stand out as one of the largest variable expenses for airlines. If oil prices do not lessen from current levels, even the most profitable airlines in the world will face losses, while those carriers that were already struggling might end up in bankruptcy.
For tickets booked as of today (Friday, April 3, 2026), United has raised checked bag fees by $10 for the first and second bags, and by $50 for the third bag and any beyond. United’s checked bag fees differ depending on whether you pre-pay for them 24 hours or more before departure, or if you pay within 24 hours.
With this adjustment, if you pay within 24 hours of departure, you will incur a charge of $50 for your first checked bag ($40 previously), $60 for your second checked bag ($50 previously), and $200 for your third checked bag ($150 previously). On the other hand, if you pre-pay, you will receive a $5 discount on those amounts.
In a statement, United highlights that this marks the first increase in checked bag fees in two years.
Why United opts to increase checked bag fees rather than fares
In the past few weeks, many airline executives have indicated that airfare could rise due to elevated oil prices. The challenge is that the demand for airfare is quite elastic — as airfare increases, demand diminishes.
Moreover, Americans are experiencing the ramifications of rising oil prices, leading many to have reduced disposable income (although the “premium” airlines love to tout the benefits of the K-shaped economy). If airlines could simply raise prices easily, we would not be in a position where the majority of US carriers are facing operating losses.
From the airlines’ viewpoint, if they urgently need to generate more revenue from passengers, raising checked bag fees seems a sensible first step, since this detail is not as closely scrutinized by passengers as direct ticket prices.
Thus, while the price of oil does affect checked bag fees, it is merely a more practical means of attempting to boost revenue compared to simply increasing fares.
Bottom line
United has just raised checked bag fees by $10-50 per flight. The increase is $10 for the first and second checked bags and $50 for the third bag and any additional ones, with a $5 discount still available for payments made more than 24 hours in advance.
Airlines view the increase in checked bag fees as the simplest method to enhance revenue without having to elevate fares. JetBlue initiated this latest round of bag fee increases, United quickly followed suit, and it’s likely other airlines will not be far behind. And keep in mind, once costs rise, they seldom decrease.
What are your thoughts on United raising checked bag fees?