Airlines Increase Baggage Fees Amid Rising Fuel Costs

United Airlines has announced an increase in checked baggage fees for flights within the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. Effective April 3, the fee for the first checked bag will rise to $45, and the second to $55, marking the first such increase in two years.

JetBlue has also adjusted its baggage fees. The first checked bag now costs $39 during off-peak periods and $49 during peak times, reflecting increases of $4 and $9, respectively.

These adjustments come as airlines face rising operational costs due to escalating jet fuel prices, which have surged over 85% since the onset of the Middle East conflict on February 28.

International carriers are similarly affected. Cathay Pacific has increased its fuel surcharges by 34%, adding approximately $400 to long-haul round-trip tickets.

The ongoing conflict has disrupted global oil supplies, notably through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, leading to increased fuel costs and subsequent fare adjustments across the airline industry.