Fees & Baggage
Notable ChangeUnited Raises Standard Checked Bag Fee to $40 for Domestic Economy
Announced: 15 Feb 2026•Effective: 24 Feb 2026
United Airlines increased the cost of checking a first standard bag on domestic flights to $40 at the airport ($35 if prepaid online at least 24 hours prior to departure).
What this means for your trip
If you are flying domestic United in Main Cabin without status or a co-branded card, pay for your checked bag online during check-in rather than at the airport kiosk to save $5 each way ($10 round-trip). Premier Silver members and United Explorer cardholders continue to receive their first checked bag free.
By David Chen•Verified