United joins JetBlue with $30 bag fee

The $30 bag fee is gaining traction across US airlines as summer travel winds down and carriers look to boost revenue to offset higher fuel prices. United Continental increased the charge for passengers’ first checked bag by $5 on Friday, matching a move by JetBlue Airways earlier in the week. The fee changes apply to United tickets purchased Aug. 31 and later. The move by United bolsters an industry push for more revenue from items other than tickets. The industry’s annual profit peaked in 2015 and is headed for a third straight decline this year, according to Airlines for America. Fuel prices have increased more than 20% over the past year, pressuring airlines’ earnings and stock prices. “As we continue to make investments that make travel on United better, we are making adjustments to our checked bag fees in select markets -- most of which have not been changed for the past eight years,” said a spokeswoman for United. A second checked bag will cost $40 on flights in the US, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Caribbean and Central America, United said. The fee will be $50 for flights to and from Canada.<br/>