United Airlines announced on Friday that it would be increasing its baggage fees, following in the footsteps of American Airlines. This move comes as no surprise, as several other major airlines have also raised their bag fees in recent months. Starting with tickets booked on Saturday, economy-class passengers on domestic flights will be charged an additional $5 for checking bags. This will bring the price to $35 if paid online at least 24 hours before the flight, and $40 after that. The fee for a second checked bag will also rise by $5, reaching $45 in advance online and $50 at the airport.
However, not all passengers will be affected by this change. Passengers in premium cabins, holders of United-branded credit cards, and customers with elite status in the airline’s frequent-flyer program will still be able to check a bag for free. This is a common practice among airlines, as these customers are considered to be more valuable and are often rewarded with additional perks.
It is worth noting that American Airlines made a similar move earlier in the week, raising its fees for checked bags. The fee for a first checked bag on domestic flights increased from $30 to $35 if paid in advance, and $40 at the airport. Additionally, the fee for a second bag went up from $40 to $45. American Airlines also increased bag fees for short international flights. This trend among major airlines raises concerns among frequent flyers who rely on checked bags for their travel needs.
The introduction of bag fees by American Airlines in 2008 marked a significant shift in the industry. At the time, jet fuel prices were surging, and airlines needed alternative sources of revenue to counterbalance the rising costs. Bag fees quickly became a dependable source of income for airlines, and in 2022 alone, U.S. airlines collected a staggering $6.8 billion in checked-bag fees. American Airlines led the pack, bringing in $1.4 billion, closely followed by United Airlines at $1.1 billion.
This recent increase in bag fees by United Airlines is just one example of how airlines are continuously finding ways to generate revenue. Alaska Airlines raised its bag fees for most economy passengers in January, and JetBlue followed suit earlier this month. These changes affect millions of travelers and can significantly impact the overall cost of their trips.
In conclusion, United Airlines has joined the wave of major airlines increasing their baggage fees. Starting this weekend, passengers on domestic flights will have to pay an additional $5 for checked bags. This move follows a similar decision by American Airlines earlier in the week. While these changes may not affect all passengers, they highlight the ongoing trend of airlines relying on bag fees as a significant source of revenue. As travelers, it is essential to stay informed about these changes and consider the potential impact on our travel plans and budgets.
