United Airlines has raised checked baggage fees by $10 for the first and second bags on most flights within the US, Canada, Mexico and Latin America. For UK holidaymakers heading to America this summer, packing light, prepaying online or using a qualifying credit card remains the most effective way to control costs.
According to CNBC, United Airlines increased its first and second checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after 3 April 2026. The rise forms part of a wider industry response to climbing jet fuel prices following recent geopolitical tensions.
A second source confirms the adjustment also applies to third bags, which have seen a larger increase of $50 in most markets.
New fee structure (effective 3 April 2026)
Passengers can now expect the following charges on qualifying routes:
- First checked bag: £45 when prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure, or £50 if paid at the airport or within 24 hours.
- Second checked bag: £55 prepaid, or £60 if paid closer to travel.
- Third and subsequent bags: subject to a £50 increase on previous rates.
Basic Economy passengers required to gate-check a bag now face charges starting from £75.
Sunset Weekly analysis While these increases primarily affect passengers on North American routes, they add another layer of cost pressure for British travellers already navigating higher transatlantic airfares linked to fuel volatility. The changes highlight the value of careful planning or selecting carriers and ticket types that include free checked baggage.
Plan your trip with our Miami travel guide and coastal adventure tips
How to avoid or reduce the new fees
Several groups of passengers remain exempt from the standard charges:
- Holders of United co-branded credit cards often receive a free first checked bag.
- MileagePlus Premier members qualify for free checked bags according to their elite tier level.
- Travellers in premium cabins (United Polaris, First, or Premium Plus) continue to enjoy complimentary checked baggage.
- Active duty US military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve members, receive free checked bags.
Prepaying bags online at least 24 hours before departure still secures a £5 saving per bag compared with paying at the airport.
Insider tip from the Sunset Weekly team Our experience covering transatlantic travel shows that pairing a United co-branded card with flexible ticket options frequently delivers the best overall value for British holidaymakers who prefer to travel with checked luggage rather than relying solely on cabin bags.
Compare coverage and benefits in our Allianz travel insurance guide.
Practical advice for UK travellers in 2026
Review your ticket type and booking details carefully before travel. Basic Economy fares impose stricter rules on baggage, so upgrading to a higher fare class can sometimes prove more economical if you need to check bags. Always confirm the latest fees directly on the United website, as policies can adjust with route or ticket changes.
For those visiting the US from the UK, consider travelling lighter or using laundry services at your destination to minimise checked bag requirements during periods of rising ancillary costs.
Explore charming destinations in our most beautiful small towns in America guide.
RISK ALERT: INDUSTRY-WIDE FEE SURGE
As of mid-April 2026, the baggage fee hike has become a coordinated industry response to soaring jet fuel costs. Following United’s lead, Delta Air Lines (effective 8 April) and Southwest Airlines (effective 9 April) have both matched the £10 ($10) increase for first and second checked bags. Notably, Southwest’s shift marks a final departure from its historic “Bags Fly Free” identity, while Delta has also significantly increased third-bag charges to £200 ($200). Travellers should assume these higher rates are now the standard across all major North American carriers this summer.
FAQs
When did United Airlines increase checked bag fees? The new charges apply to tickets purchased on or after 3 April 2026. Flights booked before this date continue under the previous fee structure.
How much does it cost to check a bag with United in 2026? The first bag now costs £45 if prepaid online or £50 otherwise. The second bag costs £55 prepaid or £60 at the airport on most US, Canada, Mexico and Latin America routes.
Can I still check a bag for free with United Airlines? Yes, if you hold a qualifying United credit card, have elite MileagePlus status, travel in a premium cabin, or qualify as active US military. These exemptions remain unchanged.
Does the fee increase affect flights from the UK to the US? The higher fees apply to the North American portion of journeys on routes within the US, Canada, Mexico and Latin America. Transatlantic legs from the UK may follow separate rules depending on the ticket type.
What is the new fee for a third checked bag? United has increased third-bag charges by £50 in most markets for tickets purchased from 3 April 2026 onwards. Exact amounts vary by route and should be confirmed via United’s baggage calculator.
Is prepaying bags still cheaper with United? Yes. Prepaying online at least 24 hours before departure saves £5 per bag compared with paying at the airport or closer to departure.
Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.
