United Airlines Has Increased Checked Bag Fees
United Airlines announced a few days ago that it is increasing checked-baggage fees by $5. This follows a similar move earlier in the year by JetBlue. The first checked bag with United will now cost $35 each way and the second, $45.
Travelers can avoid the fee increase by prepaying for bags in advance. The checked-bag prices remain $30 and $40 if the fee is paid at any time before checking in online. It is an attempt to make the check-in process at airports quicker. United credit cards will also help you avoid fees altogether.
The increase takes effect for travel beginning March 6th. Travelers who have bought tickets before Friday, February 21st will be exempt and continue to pay $30 and $40. The increase covers flight in the United States and on short-haul flights to the Caribbean and Latin America.
We can expect to see other major airlines doing the same thing soon. They did so back in 2018 when they matched the fee increases by JetBlue. Low cost airlines such as Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant already charge for all checked bags and even carry-ons. Southwest Airlines on the other hand gives you your first two checked bags for free with any fare, and the extra/excess fees are $75 each.
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What does having a southwest credit card have to do with avoiding UA bag fees?