2 airlines raise baggage fees: What to know
United Airlines is the latest carrier to update its checked bag fees in the wake of rising jet fuel prices amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Chicago-based carrier is raising checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3.
United calculates baggage fees based on where passengers are flying, the fare class of a ticket, and any traveler membership status.
Under the new policy, most passengers can expect to pay $45 for their first checked bag, if they prepay ahead of time, and $50 if they pay their baggage fees within 24 hours of their flight.
The cost for a second prepaid checked bag, for most passengers, comes out to $55, or $60 if they pay less within 24 hours of their flight.
The airline told ABC News this is the first time it has raised baggage fees in two years.
The fee increase impacts first and second checked bags for customers traveling in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America.
"United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free," the airline said in a statement.
As the price of jet fuel rises, airline CEOs expect airfare to rise as well. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the beginning of the year, and it is the second biggest expense for airlines.
The average price was $4.88 per gallon on Thursday -- the highest it's been since the war in Iran began, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index.
United CEO Scott Kirby told ABC News in March that the ongoing Middle East conflict would likely have an impact on customers to help cover the cost of fuel.
Kirby previously told employees that current fuel prices could cost United an additional $11 billion a year if they don't fall.
United has also cut capacity on some off-peak and redeye flights, and some fares have jumped by 15-20%.
JetBlue also increased its baggage fees earlier this week.
