United is increasing its fees for checked bags, becoming the second U.S. airline to do so in less than a week as jet fuel prices continue to climb.
The carrier said it is raising fees by $10 for most flights, which would bring the cost of a single bag to $50 without the prepay discount.
“United is raising first and second checked bag fees by $10 for customers traveling in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, and Latin America beginning with tickets purchased Friday, April 3,” the airline said in a statement.
In a separate note on its website, United said the fee for a third bag is going up by $50 in most markets.
United Chase credit card holders, Mileage Plus Premier members, active members of the military, and premium passengers can still check bags for free, United said, and in most markets customers will still get a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online at least 24 hours before their flight.
“This is the first time in two years the airline has raised bag fees,” officials added.
United did not provide a reason for the fee increase, but skyrocketing fuel prices are likely a contributing factor. Energy prices have shot up globally since the start of the conflict in Iran in late February.
Earlier this week, JetBlue also hiked its fees for checked bags. It is increasing prices by between $4 and $9.
