It took more than a month for the war in Iran, which first flared up on February 28 with US and Israeli airstrikes, to start trickling back home to consumers. In addition to rising gas prices, fliers are now facing higher baggage fees, with two major US airlines raising prices this week.
United Airlines confirmed media outlets On Thursday, it is raising the price of first and second checked bags to $10 for flights to the United States, Mexico, Canada and Latin America. Under the new pricing, the first checked bag will cost $45 if prepaid and $50 if purchased within 24 hours of departure. A second checked bag will cost $55 prepaid or $60 at the last minute. Fees increase from $50 to $200 for a third bag purchased in advance or within 24 hours of departure.
The airline said that the new prices will come into effect with tickets purchased on April 3. Some travelers, including United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military personnel and customers flying in premium cabins, will still be able to check a bag for free.
“This is the first time in two years that an airline has raised baggage fees,” the airline said in an emailed statement to Gizmodo.
The move comes days after JetBlue raised its own baggage fees, citing “operational costs,” although United has not confirmed whether the increases are war-related.
JetBlue has increased the price to check a first bag on domestic, Caribbean and Latin American flights from $35 to $39 during off-peak periods for most economy flyers. During peak times, such as most summer and major holidays, the toll will increase from $40 to $49. Travelers who wait less than 24 hours before departure to pay will be charged an additional $10.
“As we face rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping our base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value,” JetBlue told CNBC in his statement.
JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Globally, airlines are also starting to increase flight prices.
Air France said earlier this month that it did increasing fares on long-haul flights due to rising jet fuel prices. Recently, Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it will increase fuel surcharges.
“Ongoing volatility in the Middle East continues to have a significant impact on jet fuel prices, putting significant pressure on airlines around the world,” Cathay Pacific said. press release. “Jet fuel used by airplanes is made by refining crude oil, and therefore the price of jet fuel includes both a crude oil component and a refined oil component, which has increased significantly in recent weeks.”
The war disrupted global oil supplies, in part because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
In addition to transportation, Amazon announced that it will implement an temporary surcharge later this month at third-party retailers. And if this is just the beginning, more price hikes may not be far behind as the war continues.
