Conflict In Iran Forces Airline To Hike Checked Baggage Fees

Travelers flying United Airlines will pay more to check their luggage starting Friday as surging fuel costs from the war in Iran ripple through the airline industry.

The carrier announced a $10 increase on first and second checked bags for tickets purchased on or after April 3, affecting routes within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America, according to CNBC. A first bag now runs $45 if paid in advance and $50 within 24 hours of departure. Second bags climb to $55 prepaid or $60 at the last minute. Third bags jumped $50, bringing the total to $200.

United is the second domestic carrier to raise baggage prices in under a week. JetBlue bumped its fees by as much as $9 on March 30, telling the Associated Press that charging more for optional add-ons helps keep base ticket prices competitive. (RELATED: Flights Are About To Get More Expensive, Trump Admin Insists It’s Temporary)

The fee increases come as jet fuel prices have nearly doubled since Operation Epic Fury began on Feb. 28. The average gallon of jet fuel across four major U.S. hubs reached $4.88 on Thursday, up from $2.50 before the conflict, according to data from energy intelligence firm Argus Media cited by CNBC. United does not hedge its fuel costs, leaving it fully exposed to volatile spot prices, according to AeroTime.

United Airlines is raising its fees for first and second checked bags, becoming the second U.S. airline to up the price this week. https://t.co/08n0W3MP9M

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 3, 2026

United CEO Scott Kirby told Bloomberg Television that fares could rise 20% for the airline to break even. Kirby warned investors last month that elevated fuel prices had already tacked on roughly $400 million in operating expenses, according to The Independent. Delta and American Airlines reported comparable hits.

Co-branded credit card holders, loyalty program elites, active-duty military members and premium cabin passengers still receive a complimentary first checked bag, CNBC reported.

American Airlines quietly raised its own baggage fees in February while Delta has yet to follow, though analysts widely expect the rest of the industry to match, according to CNBC.