United Airlines has become the latest airline to increase the checked baggage fee, effective immediately, in response to rising fuel costs. Other airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Qantas, and Air Canada, have also increased ticket prices to manage fuel shortages.
Check-in luggage cost in United Airlines
The airline’s CEO, Scott Kirby, warned of the increase before raising the fees. Kirby said that “some airlines might not survive the crisis” with no end to the war in sight.
Passengers who opt to travel on United Airlines will need to pay $10 more to check baggage. The airline announced on its website:
“For tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026, fees will go up by $10 for your first and second checked bag and by $50 for your third checked bag in most markets.”
Travellers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Latin America will need to pay $45 for their first checked luggage and $55 for their second luggage.
United’s co-branded credit card holders, certain loyalty-tier members, active military personnel and travellers in premium cabins will still receive one free first checked bag.
Oil shortages
In addition to United Airlines, JetBlue has also announced an increase in the check-in baggage fees by up to $9 during peak travel periods.
The increase in ticket fare is linked to the shortage of oil supplies. Because of the conflict in the Middle East, Iran blocked the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil typically passes.
This has been the major reason for the increase in the price of crude oil, and it also affects aircraft operating costs as aircraft fuel is extracted by refining crude oil.
Argus Media reported that the average price for a gallon of jet fuel in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York reached $4.88 on April 2, 2026, which is up from $2.50 before the conflict began on Feb. 28.
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