United Airlines has announced a substantial increase in checked baggage fees, marking its first such hike in two years, as the airline industry grapples with soaring jet fuel prices fueled by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The new fees, which went into effect for tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026, will see most travelers paying $45 for their first checked bag if prepaid ahead of time, and $50 if the payment is made within 24 hours of the flight. The second checked bag will now cost $55 if prepaid, or $60 if paid closer to departure. For a third checked bag, United has raised fees by a hefty $50 in most markets.
This policy shift affects customers traveling within the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America, according to statements made by United to ABC News and confirmed by the airline's website. The fee increase, United said, is a direct response to the extraordinary rise in jet fuel costs since the beginning of 2026, with average prices hitting $4.88 per gallon on April 2—the highest since the war in Iran began on February 28, 2026, as tracked by the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index.
United CEO Scott Kirby, speaking to investors in March 2026, underscored the scale of the challenge, stating that higher jet fuel costs had already added roughly $400 million to United’s operating expenses. He warned that, if fuel prices do not fall, the airline could face an additional $11 billion in costs per year. "The ongoing Middle East conflict would likely have an impact on customers to help cover the cost of fuel," Kirby told ABC News. In a separate address to employees, he cautioned that some airlines "might not survive" the crisis if it continues without resolution.
The impact of the war in Iran has been felt across the airline industry, not just at United. Jet fuel, second only to labor as an airline’s largest expense, has doubled in price since the start of the year. The conflict has severely disrupted global oil supplies, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint where about a fifth of the world’s oil passes. Crude oil price volatility has rippled through to jet fuel markets, leaving airlines with little choice but to pass some of these costs onto travelers.
United’s updated baggage policy is part of a broader trend among U.S. carriers. JetBlue, for example, raised its checked baggage fees by up to $9 during peak travel periods earlier in the week of April 6, 2026. JetBlue explained that increasing fees for optional services used by select customers helps keep base fares competitive for everyone. Like United, JetBlue continues to offer a free first checked bag to certain customers.
United’s new policy includes a few notable exemptions: United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free. This approach, United said, is intended to reward customer loyalty and support frequent flyers, while also recognizing the unique needs of military personnel and premium travelers.
For other passengers, the timing of payment for checked bags now matters more than ever. Those who pay their baggage fees less than 24 hours before departure will face an additional $5 charge per bag. This move, United says, encourages early planning and helps the airline better manage logistics and capacity.
Industry analysts expect that U.S. airlines, which typically do not impose fuel surcharges on tickets, will continue to pass higher fuel costs onto travelers through increased add-on fees or higher base fares. In contrast, a number of non-U.S. carriers have already introduced fuel surcharges in response to the global spike in oil prices. The pressure on airlines to recoup costs is only likely to intensify if the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains unstable.
United has also responded to the crisis by cutting capacity on some off-peak and redeye flights, and fares on certain routes have jumped by 15-20%. These measures, the airline says, are necessary to balance supply and demand while keeping the business financially viable under challenging circumstances.
While the focus has been on United and JetBlue, other major airlines are feeling the pinch as well. CEOs for Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have reported similar increases in operating costs due to fuel, underscoring the industry-wide nature of the problem. As fuel remains the second largest operating cost for airlines after labor, the current environment is testing the resilience of carriers large and small.
Adding to the turbulence in the air travel sector, President Donald Trump announced plans on April 3, 2026, to privatize airport security screening. The White House budget proposes cutting federal funding for the Transportation Security Administration by $52 million and requiring small airports to enroll in a program where TSA pays for private screeners. According to budget documents, airports already using the privatization program have demonstrated savings compared to federal screening operations. This comes after major U.S. airports experienced significant disruptions in recent weeks as TSA security officers went unpaid during a partial government shutdown.
For travelers, these changes mean that the cost of flying is likely to keep rising—not just in the form of ticket prices, but through a host of add-on fees and ancillary charges. The days of predictable, all-inclusive airfare seem further away than ever. Many passengers will need to pay close attention to the fine print when booking, as fees for everything from checked bags to seat selection and in-flight amenities become increasingly variable.
Despite the unwelcome news of higher fees, United has sought to reassure customers that it remains committed to offering value and flexibility. In its statement to ABC News, the airline emphasized that this is the first time it has raised baggage fees in two years, and that it continues to offer free checked bags to its most loyal and valued customers. JetBlue echoed a similar sentiment, noting that charging more for optional services helps keep base fares accessible to a wider range of travelers.
As the airline industry faces one of its most turbulent periods in recent memory, both airlines and passengers are being forced to adapt to a new reality. The interplay between geopolitics, energy markets, and consumer travel habits is more pronounced than ever. Whether these fee increases are a temporary response to extraordinary circumstances or the start of a long-term trend remains to be seen. For now, though, it’s clear that the cost of checking a bag—and the cost of flying in general—is on the rise.
With no end in sight to the conflict in Iran and continued uncertainty in global oil markets, travelers should brace themselves for further changes and keep a close eye on their wallets as they navigate the skies in 2026.