United Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees by $5 for North American Flights
In a move that is becoming all too familiar for travelers, United Airlines has announced that it will be raising its checked bag fees by $5 for most travelers flying coach within North America. Starting from Saturday, February 24, United will charge travelers $40 for their first checked bag, with a $5 discount for those who prepay at least 24 hours ahead of their flight. The fee for a second checked bag will also increase by $5, bringing it to $50 or $45 if prepaid.
This decision from United comes as part of a trend among major U.S. carriers to raise checked bag fees. Just three days ago, American Airlines made a similar announcement, following in the footsteps of Alaska Airlines and JetBlue earlier this year. It seems that the domino effect is in full swing, with four out of the six largest U.S. airlines now raising their checked bag fees in 2024.
While United did not provide any specific insight into the rationale behind this change, other U.S. carriers have cited cost headwinds as the reason for the fee hike. Airlines have been facing increased costs for fuel and labor in recent months, which has put pressure on their bottom line.
However, it’s not all bad news for United customers. The airline has stated that it will not be changing any of its perks for MileagePlus members who earn free bags. This includes the bag benefit awarded to United Chase credit card holders and Premier elite status members. So, frequent flyers and loyal customers can still enjoy the benefits of free checked bags.
With United and American Airlines both raising their checked bag fees, all eyes are now on Delta Air Lines to see if they will follow suit. So far, Delta has not announced any plans to increase their fees, but only time will tell if they will join the trend.
Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines remains a standout in the industry, as they continue to offer their passengers two free checked bags. This policy has become a hallmark of Southwest’s service and is frequently touted by executives. It seems unlikely that Southwest will change this policy anytime soon, much to the delight of their customers.
While customers may not be thrilled about paying more for their checked bags on United, there is some hope on the horizon. The airline is expecting to receive hundreds of new aircraft in the coming years, which are said to have enough overhead bin space for every passenger’s carry-on bag. This means that travelers may be able to avoid checked bag fees altogether by simply bringing their belongings on board.
In conclusion, the increase in checked bag fees by United Airlines is part of a larger trend among major U.S. carriers. While customers may not be happy about the additional cost, there are still perks available for loyal customers and hope for a future where checked bag fees may not be necessary at all.