United Airlines raising checked-bag fees, joining JetBlue
United Airlines on Friday increased its checked-baggage fees by $5, following a similar move in January by JetBlue Airways.
The first checked bag is now $35 each way, the second, $45. Travelers can avoid the increase by prepaying for bags in advance. The checked-bag prices remain $30 and $40 if the fee is paid at any time before online check-in.
The increase takes effect for travel beginning March 6. Travelers who bought their tickets before Friday, Feb. 21 will be exempt and continue to pay $30 and $40.
United spokeswoman Maddie King said the increase covers flight in the United States and on short-haul flights to the Caribbean and Latin America.
Other major airlines are likely to follow suit. United, Delta and American all matched JetBlue's previous bag fee increase, in 2018.
No-frills airlines including Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant already charge varying prices for checked (and carry-on) bags depending when you purchase them and, in many cases, where and when you are flying.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: United Airlines bag fees go up: $35 for 1st checked bag, $45 for 2nd
