United Airlines plane parked at Denver International Airport.
Leslie Josephs | CNBC
United Airlines is raising prices for checked bags, becoming the latest airline to raise fees this year, generating more than $5 billion in revenue for the airline in the first nine months of 2023 alone.
United economy passengers booking domestic tickets starting February 24 will pay $40 for the first checked bag, or $35 if prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure, an increase of $5. A second checked bag costs $50 at the airport or $45 in advance, both options go up by $5.
A United spokesman said the changes apply to most flights throughout North America.
In 2020, United Airlines increased the price of checked bags at the airport by $5 to $35, but kept the price steady at $30 if travelers paid in advance.
United said free checked bags will still be available to certain credit card holders, elite members, active duty military and top travelers.
Earlier this week, American airlines If purchased in advance, the first checked bag fee increases to $35 for domestic flights and $40 for checked bags at the airport. Both options previously cost $30. A second checked bag will increase from $40 to $45.
Airlines and other companies have been grappling with how to increase profits while controlling costs, such as signing new labor contracts, while their pricing power has waned.
JetBlue Airways and Alaska Airlines Baggage fees have also been increased this year.
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