United Airlines Checked Bag Fee Hikes Kick in Today

United joins other airlines in announcing higher baggage fees and other price hikes to offset rising jet fuel costs. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Delivered dailyKiplinger TodayProfit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. 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The Iran war has already triggered soaring gas prices, with drivers paying an average of over $4.14 per gallon. But gasoline isn't the only fuel that's gotten more expensive since the conflict started.As oil prices keep climbing, so does the cost of jet fuel. Since March 6, the price of jet fuel has surged nearly 33%, hitting $209 per barrel by April 3, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). That's an even sharper spike than drivers are seeing at the pump, where the cost per gallon has risen roughly 21% in the same time period.With United paying more to fill its tanks, it's looking for ways to offset those costs. For travelers, that means higher fees. Starting today, the cost per checked bag will go up to $45 for United passengers, a $10 increase over previous fees.Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special IssuesProfit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.The $10 fee hike United customers will see comes as the Iran war continues to push oil prices higher, raising the prices of jet fuel in turn. It's not the only airline to hike fees citing the higher costs of fueling planes.Earlier this month, JetBlue announced that checked bag fees would be going up as much as $9 per bag. And Delta will tack an extra $10 onto its own checked bag fees, too.While the idea of paying more to check a bag is unwelcome news for customers already being squeezed at the gas pump and the grocery store, this may actually be a better option. By raising fees on optional services, airlines hope to keep base fares more competitive.Kiplinger's Top Airline Credit CardsAnother way to lower flight costs is with the right credit card. You'll earn miles with every purchase, elevated status with your favorite airline and access to perks like free flights. See our top picks, powered by Bankrate. Advertising disclosure.View OffersWhether you're flying United, JetBlue, Delta or any other airline, honing your strategy to avoid rising baggage fees is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can avoid paying for a checked bag altogether. Here are a few of your best options:Airfare has always been sensitive to fuel costs, and this is a reminder that those shifts can show up in ways that are less obvious than ticket prices. As airlines look for ways to manage rising expenses, fees are likely to remain in focus.For travelers, a little planning can go a long way. Understanding how airlines price add-ons, and choosing the right strategy for how you fly, can help you keep more of your money.Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.Rachael Green is a personal finance eCommerce writer specializing in insurance, travel, and credit cards. Before joining Kiplinger in 2025, she wrote blogs and whitepapers for financial advisors and reported on everything from the latest business news and investing trends to the best shopping deals. Her bylines have appeared in Benzinga, CBS News, Travel + Leisure, Bustle, and numerous other publications. A former digital nomad, Rachael lived in Lund, Vienna, and New York before settling down in Atlanta. She’s eager to share her tips for finding the best travel deals and navigating the logistics of managing money while living abroad. When she’s not researching the latest insurance trends or sharing the best credit card reward hacks, Rachael can be found traveling or working in her garden.