United Airlines planes at Denver International Airport.
Leslie Joseph | CNBC
united airlines is raising the price to check bags, becoming the latest airline this year to raise 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 on or after Feb. 24 will pay $40 for the first checked bag, or $35 if they pay in advance online at least 24 hours before their flight, an increase of $5. A second checked bag will cost $50 at the airport, or $45 in advance, up to $5 for both options.
The changes apply to most flights throughout North America, a United spokeswoman said.
In 2020, United raised the price of checking a bag at the airport from $5 to $35, but kept it steady at $30 if travelers paid for the service in advance.
Certain credit cardholders, frequent flyers with elite status, active military and travelers in premium classes can still check a bag for free, United said.
Earlier this week, american airlines increased its fee to check the first bag on domestic flights to $35 if purchased in advance and $40 at the airport. Both options previously cost $30. A second checked bag will increase from $40 to $45.
Airlines and other companies have been debating how to boost profits while controlling costs, such as new labor contracts, while pricing power has declined.
JetBlue and Alaska Airlines It also increased baggage fees this year.
