United Airlines planes at Denver International Airport.
Leslie Josephs | CNBC
United Airlines is raising the price of checked bags, becoming the latest airline this year to increase a fee that has netted airlines more than $5 billion in the first nine months of 2023 alone.
United Economy passengers booking domestic tickets starting February 24 will pay $40 for the first checked bag, or $35 if they prepay online at least 24 hours before their flight, an increase of $5 Dollar equivalent. A second checked bag costs $50 at the airport or $45 in advance, with an additional $5 for both options.
The changes apply to most flights across North America, a United spokeswoman said.
In 2020, United increased the price of checking baggage at the airport by $5 to $35, but kept it steady at $30 if travelers prepaid for the service.
Certain credit card holders, frequent flyers with elite status, active military members and travelers traveling in premium classes will still be able to check a bag for free, United said.
Earlier this week, American Airlines increased the fee for checking the first bag on domestic flights to $35 if purchased in advance and to $40 at the airport. Both options previously cost $30. A second checked bag costs $40 to $45.
Airlines and other companies are grappling with how to increase profits while cutting costs, such as through new labor contracts, as pricing power has weakened.
JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have also increased baggage fees this year.
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2024-02-23 19:57:08
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