United Airlines planes at Denver International Airport.
Leslie Josephs | CNBC
United Airlines is raising the price to check bags, becoming the latest carrier this year to increase a fee that generated more than $5 billion for airlines in the first nine months of 2023 alone.
United Economy passengers who book domestic tickets starting February 24 will pay $40 for the first checked bag, or $35 if they prepay online at least 24 hours before the flight, an increase of $5. A second checked bag will cost $50 at the airport, or $45 in advance, up $5 for either option.
The changes apply to most flights across North America, a UK spokesperson said.
In 2020, United raised the price to check a bag at the airport from $5 to $35, but held it steady at $30 if travelers paid for the service upfront.
Some credit card holders, frequent travelers with elite status, active-duty military and travelers in high-level classes can still check a bag for free, United said.
Earlier this week, American Airlines increased the fee to check the first bag on domestic flights to $35 if purchased in advance and to $40 at the airport. Both options were previously $30. A second checked bag will increase from $40 to $45.
Airlines and other companies are grappling with how to boost profits while controlling costs, such as new labor contracts, as pricing power has declined.
JetBlue and Alaska Airlines they also increased baggage fees this year.
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