Several US airlines have hiked checked-in baggage fee

American Airlines charges additional fees for luggage over the airline’s weight and size limits. (Photo: X)

You might have to spend a lot of money for checking in your bags on a flight, Several US airlines have hiked checked baggage fees recently. United Airlines recently announced an increase in baggage fees, now charging $40 for the first checked bag. If the passengers choose to prepay online at least 24 hours before the flight, this charge will be $35. A second checked bag, on the other hand, will cost $50 at the airport or $45 in advance. This is a rise of $5 in both cases.

United also revealed that certain passengers, such as those in top-tier classes, active military, or certain credit card holders could travel without such fees. The exemption also extended to frequent flyers with elite status.

Recently, American Airlines had also announced hike in baggage fee. After recently announcing changes, Dallas/Fort Worth-based American Airlines reportedly has among the highest baggage fees in its airline category. American Airlines charges additional fees for luggage over the airline’s weight and size limits. Overweight bag fees start at $100 for bags £51-70 and $200 for bags £71-100. American Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags over £100.

The top 20 airlines in the world collectively earned billions of dollars in baggage fees last year. It comes after a string of airlines in the US just raised their bag charges for the first time in years, costing travellers more.

With more than $33 billion worth of luggage-related charges, the amount represents a more than 10 per cent spike compared to the previous year.