United Airlines Is Increasing the Cost of Checked Bags

Just days after JetBlue and American Airlines announced their own increases for checked bags, United Airlines is following suit.

Effective immediately, all passengers on new bookings with United will be charged an extra $5 for their first and second checked bags—the first checked bag for United economy passengers on domestic flights will cost $40 while the second checked bag will cost $45 when paid in advance, and $50 when paid at the airport.

Similar to American, certain United loyalty program or credit card members can get their first checked bag for free, including United Chase credit card holders and MileagePlus Premier members. Those with premium cabin tickets can also check a bag for free.

United has a bag fee calculator on its website for passengers to see exactly how much it would cost ahead of time.

The increase is the first in several years for United—the last time United increased bag fees was in September 2018. That 2018 increase also came on the heels of a bump by JetBlue.

The news means that four of the biggest U.S. airlines have all raised baggage fees this year—Alaska raised its fee to $35 for economy passengers starting on January 1, while JetBlue increased its fee to $45 for most standard passengers who don’t pay in advance and $35 if prepaid. Similarly, American raised its fee to $35 for prepaid baggage and $40 for airport purchases.

Delta Air Lines has not announced an increase in its baggage fees this year. It currently charges $30 for the first checked bag under 50 pounds and $40 for the second. Southwest remains the only major U.S. carrier that does not charge for checked bags.