Checking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as Iran war sends jet fuel costs up nearly 100% in major hubs

United Airlines implemented a $10 increase in checked baggage fees effective Friday, as escalating jet fuel costs stemming from the Middle East conflict compel major U.S. carriers to adjust pricing structures.

Passengers traveling within the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America will now pay $45 for their first checked bag and $55 for their second piece of luggage, according to United's updated fee schedule.

"This marks the first baggage fee increase in two years for the airline," United stated in an official announcement.

Several passenger categories remain exempt from the first checked bag fee, including co-branded credit card holders, qualifying loyalty program members, active military personnel, and premium cabin travelers. United will impose an additional $5 charge for bags checked within 24 hours of departure.

United's fee adjustment follows JetBlue's Monday announcement of checked baggage fee increases up to $9 during peak travel periods. This pricing trend reflects the ongoing disruption to global oil supplies caused by the Middle East war, particularly affecting shipping routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles approximately one-fifth of the world's oil transit. The resulting crude oil price volatility directly impacts airlines' operational expenses, as aviation fuel is derived from crude oil refining.

JetBlue characterized the higher optional service fees as a strategy to maintain competitive base fare pricing while continuing to offer complimentary first checked bags to eligible customers.

According to Argus Media's U.S. Jet Fuel Index, which monitors pricing across major aviation hubs, jet fuel averaged $4.88 per gallon on Thursday in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York—representing a significant increase from the pre-conflict price of $2.50 per gallon on February 28.

During an investor conference last month, United CEO Scott Kirby quantified the fuel cost impact at approximately $400 million in additional operating expenses. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines executives reported comparable financial impacts.

Fuel costs typically represent airlines' second-largest expense category after labor costs. Industry analysts anticipate U.S. carriers will transfer higher fuel expenses to consumers through increased ancillary fees or base ticket prices, as domestic airlines generally avoid fuel surcharges—a practice already adopted by several international carriers in response to current market conditions.