United Airlines raises checked bag fee $5, following American

United Airlines is raising the price to check bags, becoming the latest carrier this year to hike a fee that generated more than $5b for airlines in the first nine months of 2023 alone. United economy passengers who book domestic tickets starting Feb. 24 will pay $40 for a first checked bag, or $35 if they prepay online at least 24 hours before their flight, an increase of $5. A second checked bag will cost $50 at the airport, or $45 in advance, up $5 for both options. The changes apply to most flights throughout North America, a United spokeswoman said. In 2020, United raised the price to check a bag at the airport by $5 to $35 but kept it steady at $30 if travelers paid for the service in advance. Certain credit card holders, frequent flyers with elite status, active military and travelers in top-tier classes can still check a bag for free, United said. Earlier this week, American Airlines raised its fee to check a first bag on domestic flights to $35 if purchased in advance and $40 at the airport. Both options were previously $30. A second checked bag will go up from $40 to $45.<br/>