United To Increase Checked Bag Fees In March

Paying for checked bags is one of the most annoying things about travel. I try to avoid it at all costs. Yep, I'm the one kneeling by the counter moving my shoes from one bag to another or on a recent Norwegian Airlines flight holding my toiletries in my arms. 

So get ready, starting March 2020 United Airlines is raising its checked bag fees. This comes on the heels of Jet Blue Airlines which increased its fees now making it the most expensive in the industry. 

The fine print from United's website says if you have a flight booked already then the airline will honor the old fees, but if you are looking to make a reservation now, you will be faced with an increased fee. We don't know what that fee will be yet, but experts are guessing it will increase by $5 per bag. 

Right now, the airline charges $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. 

And with a basic economy ticket, you will pay even more if you pay at the gate. By the way, basic economy ticket holders cannot check-in on-line either because United wants to make sure you don't have any excess luggage. 

There are a couple of ways to get around paying fees at all. 

1. Don't check a bag! I only fly with a carry on and if needed I'll do laundry while on my trip. If we will be gone for a long time, I'll check one bag for the entire family. That bag will contain all our liquids like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen etc. 

2. Get a co-branded credit card for the airline you fly the most. Most of the co-branded cards will give you at least one FREE checked bag. 

3. Pay for that checked bag with your Capital One Venture credit card. The charge will be coded as travel and you can erase it with points. Right now, Capital One Venture card is offering 50,000 bonus points for a $3,000 minimum spend. Use my link if you decide to apply. 

4. Pay for your bag online before you arrive at the airport. You get a better price. 

5. Fly Southwest, two checked bags are included FREE

That's how we do it at almostFREEfamilytravel.com