United Airlines has increased its checked bag fees for all North American flights from $35 to $40 for the first bag and raised the price for the second bag to $45 online and $50 at the airport, effective for tickets purchased from February 24, 2024.
Customers can potentially save $5 by paying for checked bags at least 24 hours before a flight, as United requires specific flight inputs into a baggage calculator on their website to view standard fees.
Competitors American Airlines and JetBlue have also raised their bag fees to $40 and $45, respectively, while Alaska Airlines is offering a relative bargain with a $30 fee for the first bag.
Some passengers with special status, like higher-tier loyalty, may receive free checked bags, and Delta Air Lines, one of the Big Three airlines, is still charging $30 for the first bag, potentially positioning itself as a more affordable choice compared to its competitors.
