United Airlines has become the latest US carrier to increase checked baggage fees, effective immediately, as rising fuel costs driven by the war in Iran continue to squeeze airline finances.
From Friday, most United passengers travelling within the United States, Mexico, Canada and Latin America will pay $45 for their first checked bag and $55 for their second, a $10 increase per bag. The fee for a third checked bag has risen by $50 in most markets.
The airline said the increase applies to tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026, and marks the first rise in bag fees in two years. Some passengers, including co-branded credit card holders, loyalty-tier members, active military personnel and premium cabin travellers, will still receive a free first checked bag.
United follows JetBlue, which raised checked bag fees by up to $9 on Monday during peak travel periods. The war in the Middle East has severely disrupted global oil supplies, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, causing crude prices to fluctuate and pushing up jet fuel costs.
The average price for a gallon of jet fuel in major US hubs reached $4.88 on Thursday, up from $2.50 before the conflict began on February 28, according to Argus Media. United CEO Scott Kirby told investors last month that higher fuel costs had added roughly $400 million to operating costs.
Analysts expect US airlines to continue passing on higher fuel costs through increased fees or ticket prices, as they typically do not impose fuel surcharges. In a separate development, President Donald Trump has proposed privatising airport security screening, cutting funding for the Transportation Security Administration by $52 million.
