Checked Bag Fees Are Going Up Just in Time for Spring Break Travel

By Jenna | Staff Writer

Feb 27, 2020 @ 1:10 PM MST

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United Airbus in flight

Air travel is about to get a little more expensive for anyone checking a bag on United.

Bloomberg is reporting that United Airlines has raised checked-baggage fees by $5, following a similar move by JetBlue Airways in January. The first checked bag on United will now cost $35 each way, and the cost of a second checked bag will increase to $45.

The fee changes apply to domestic and short-haul international travel to Latin American and the Caribbean beginning on March 6th. Anyone who bought their tickets before Friday, February 21st will be exempt from the increase and pay the original rate of $30 and $40, respectively.

Other major airlines are likely to follow with price increases of their own. United, Delta, and American were all eager to match JetBlue’s previous bag fee increase in 2018.

If you’d like to avoid United’s latest increase, you can still do so by prepaying for your checked bags online at least 24 hours in advance. The checked-bag prices will remain at $30 and $40 for those who opt to pay before online check-in.

Avoid checked baggage fees with these tips for packing carry on luggage!

Join The Discussion

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NN February 27, 2020 at 1:22 pm MST

I paid $50 for 44 lbs (not 50, mind you) on an international flight to Europe recently. That was the cheapest option. It’s getting beyond ridiculous. And they they charge you to pick seats. Way to price gouge families with kids.

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DSch February 27, 2020 at 1:28 pm MST

This will only encourage people to cram more bags in carry on. 🙁

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Ana February 27, 2020 at 1:47 pm MST

In other countries they weigh carry-ons as well, so you gotta be careful with international flights.

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Casey February 27, 2020 at 3:00 pm MST

United started to charge for carry ons with their cheapest flight option.

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Emily February 27, 2020 at 1:48 pm MST

The budget airline that I most often travel charges to pick seats. However if you’re on the same reservation, they’ll almost always put you next to your travel onlinepanions. 🙂

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Anita February 27, 2020 at 5:46 pm MST

I paid $200 for an extra check in carry-on size luggage (about 20LB) from Minnesota to Taiwan in January 2020. Frustrating.

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Amy February 27, 2020 at 1:29 pm MST

If you are visiting family or friends in the US, I suggest just sending a flat rate with the extras and packing two days of clothes in a carry on or backpack. It’s cheaper and easier!

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Natasha-ai February 27, 2020 at 9:09 pm MST

Agreed!

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gray757 February 27, 2020 at 1:40 pm MST

Most airlines offer free checked bags if you have their airline credit card. The delta am-ex has saved us thousands of dollars over the years.

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seren February 27, 2020 at 11:34 pm MST

Am I missing something or do all the cards that allow free bags charge a yearly fee.

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Emily February 27, 2020 at 1:47 pm MST

I highly reonlinemend using an “underseater” bag or a backpack when traveling – if you don’t bring a purse (or put your purse inside your bag), they consider these personal items so there’s no charge. You’d be surprised how much stuff you don’t actually need on vacation.

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DSch February 27, 2020 at 1:48 pm MST

Emily, that’s our logic as well. Pack what you think you need then throw half of it out and leave it at home! 🙂

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Ana February 27, 2020 at 1:52 pm MST

Last time we flew Lufthansa we were able to take 2 free 50 pound bags each.
So from PDX to Amsterdam😊 I hope they don’t change that!

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SamShops February 27, 2020 at 2:24 pm MST

This is why we travel Southwest! Great rates and no bag charges😊

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Libbys4 February 27, 2020 at 2:37 pm MST

I’ve been shipping my stuff for years. I usually know where I am going. Always pack a days worth of stuff in my carry on bag and have the others arrive next day. Usually no more than $15-20.

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Susan February 27, 2020 at 3:52 pm MST

Ship your bags thru UPS to your hotel. I call them before I do to make sure it’s ok.

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sherry February 27, 2020 at 4:07 pm MST

I used just carry on luggage and space saver bags for our 6 week trip to Portugal. I just made sure the bnb’s had a washer and wifi available. Heck there were clothes I didn’t even wear. Next time I will even pack less. It makes it easier when you take the train, bus or subway.

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Paulio February 27, 2020 at 5:50 pm MST

Just another reason to always fly Southwest. At this point I willing to drive to other cities just to find a good Southwest flight instead of wasting money on any other airline.

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