United Airlines Increases Checked Bag Fees by $10 Starting April 3, 2026

United Airlines has raised its checked bag fees by $10 for the first and second bags—and by $50 for the third—effective for tickets purchased on or after Friday, April 3, 2026, impacting travelers on flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America.^[1][4] This marks the airline's first such increase in two years, following a similar move by JetBlue earlier in the week.^[1][2][3] According to United's official policy, prepaid fees online (at least 24 hours before departure) now stand at $45 for the first bag (up from $35), $55 for the second (up from $45), and $200 for the third (up from $150), while bags checked within 24 hours of flight cost $50, $60, and $200 respectively.^[1][2][4]

The change applies only to new tickets bought starting April 3 and does not affect existing bookings, giving passengers a brief window to lock in lower rates.^[3] A $5 discount remains for prepaying the first two bags online in most markets, a small incentive amid the hike.^[1][2] Certain groups are exempt from these fees entirely, including United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military personnel, and travelers in premium cabins like first or business class.^[2][3] As reported by Fast Company, this adjustment is already fueling predictions of a fiercer battle for overhead bin space, as more passengers opt to carry on luggage to avoid the extra costs.[Source 1][Source 2]

Airlines often align on such ancillary fees, suggesting other carriers like Delta or American may soon follow United's lead.[Source 1][Source 2] While United has not explicitly linked the increase to external factors, reports point to soaring jet fuel prices—now around $4.56 per gallon at major U.S. hubs like Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York—as a key driver.^[2] These costs have surged more than 80% since the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, disrupting global oil markets and nearly doubling fuel expenses for airlines.^[1][2] JetBlue cited "rising operating costs" for its recent hike, echoing the industry-wide pressures.^[3]

Travelers headed to or from the affected regions will feel the pinch most directly, especially budget-conscious families or frequent flyers without elite status or credit card perks.^[2][3] Frequent United customers, who make up a significant portion of the airline's 100 million-plus annual passengers, may need to rethink packing strategies or budget an extra $20–$110 round-trip for a family of four checking two bags each way.^[1][4] Frequent flyers might also accelerate credit card applications or loyalty upgrades to snag free bags.

Looking ahead, the fee structure on United's website confirms these rates are locked in for now, but industry patterns indicate potential further adjustments if fuel volatility persists.^[4] Passengers can mitigate costs by prepaying online, traveling light, or qualifying for waivers—steps that could become essential as airlines pass on more operational burdens.^[2][3] This development underscores broader challenges in air travel, where ancillary revenues now exceed ticket sales for many carriers, reshaping how Americans—and regional travelers—plan trips amid economic and geopolitical strains.^[1][2]