A week following the news that American Airlines had raised its checked-bag fees, United Airlines has done the same, the carrier confirmed Monday. In addition, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue each have raised their fees this year, according to their websites.
United customers traveling in North America using tickets purchased on or after Feb. 24 now must pay an additional $5 for first- and second-checked bags. The new fees for bags checked at the airport are $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag. There is a $5 discount for bags checked online at least 24 hours in advance.
"United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free, and customers in most markets will still enjoy a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online at least 24 hours before their flights," according to United, which added that this is the carrier's first checked-bag increase in four years.
United also is in the process of updating its mainline aircraft with new, larger bins designed to have room for all passengers' carry-on bags, according to the carrier.
American as of Feb. 20 raised its fees on domestic flights to $35 for a prechecked bag and $40 for a bag checked at the airport, up from $30 for each. The fee for a second checked bag increased to $45 from $40. For Canada and short-haul international flights, the first-bag fee is now $35, up from $30, while the second-bag fee is $45, up from $40. There are exceptions similar to United's.
Fees for checked bags on Alaska Airlines depend on when the ticket was booked. If purchased before Jan. 2, fees are $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag, according to the carrier's website. For tickets purchased on or after Jan. 2, fees are $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag. The carrier has exceptions for certain Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders, first-class customers, loyalty status members, eligible Oneworld members, Club 49 members, customers traveling solely within the state of Alaska and active-duty U.S. military personnel and dependents.
JetBlue's fees also differ depending on the booking date. For flights booked on or after Feb. 1 within the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, the fees now are $45 for the first bag and $60 for the second bag, according to JetBlue's website. If passengers pay in advance more than 24 hours before departure, the fees are $10 cheaper. Exceptions for the first bag are for Blue Plus and Mint fares, Mosaic members, and JetBlue Plus cardmembers. For the second checked bag, exceptions are for Mint fares and Mosaic members, according to the carrier's website.
For JetBlue bookings made before Jan. 11, 2024, the first-bag fee is $35 if booked within 24 hours of departure, or $30 otherwise. For bookings made Jan. 11-31, the fee for the first bag is $40 if within 24 hours of departure, or $35 otherwise, according to JetBlue's website.
JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation or comment.
Delta Air Lines has not yet increased its checked-bag fees, which currently are $30 for the first bag less than 50 pounds for domestic U.S. flights for Comfort-Plus and Main Cabin passengers, according to the carrier's website. The second checked-bag fee is $40. Exceptions are for passengers with a Delta SkyMiles American Express card, Medallion status or if active military personnel.
Southwest Airlines does not charge for checked bags.
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