It took just over a month for the war in Iran, which was first sparked by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Feb. 28, to start hitting consumers back home. Beyond rising gas prices, flyers are now facing higher baggage fees, with two major U.S. airlines raising prices this week.
United Airlines confirmed to media outlets on Thursday that it is raising the price of first and second checked bags by $10 for flights in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. Under the new pricing, the first checked bag will cost $45 when prepaid, or $50 if purchased within 24 hours of departure. A second checked bag will cost $55 when prepaid, or $60 last minute. Fees for a third checked bag are jumping by $50 to $200 whether purchased in advance or within 24 hours of a flight.
The airline said the new prices will start taking effect with tickets purchased on April 3. Certain 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 the airline has raised bag fees,” the airline told Gizmodo in an emailed statement.
While United did not confirm whether the increases are tied to the war, the move comes just days after JetBlue raised its own baggage fees, citing “operating costs.”
JetBlue has raised the price to check a first bag on domestic, Caribbean, and Latin America flights to $39 during off-peak periods for most economy flyers, up from $35. During peak times, like most of summer and major holidays, the fee will increase to $49, up from $40. Travelers who wait until less than 24 hours before departure to pay will be charged an additional $10.
“As we experience rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value,” JetBlue told CNBC in a statement.
JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Globally, airlines are also starting to raise prices for flights.
Air France said earlier this month it is increasing fares on long-haul flights due to rising jet fuel costs. More recently, Cathay Pacific Airways announced it would raise its fuel surcharges.
“The ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East continues to have a significant impact on the price of jet fuel and this is placing considerable pressure on airlines around the world,” Cathay Pacific said in a press release. “The jet fuel that aircraft use is made by refining crude oil, and so the price of jet fuel comprises both the crude oil component and the refinery component, both of which have increased significantly in recent weeks.”
The war has disrupted global oil supply, in part due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
Beyond transportation, Amazon has announced it will impose a temporary surcharge on third-party sellers later this month. And if this is just the start, more price hikes may not be too far behind as the war continues to drag on.
