United ups its change fee

Add United’s latest move to the ever-expanding trend of airlines introducing new charges and raising existing fees. On Sunday, United announced an increase to its change fee, from $100 to $150, to combat fuel costs. Additionally, United also tacked on a Saturday-night stay requirement to tickets in 65 percent of the markets it serves, markets where United competes with other legacy (non-low-fare) airlines.

A United spokeswoman said, “Making these changes is another example of how we need to continue to adapt to today’s tough market realities and find new ways to generate revenue,” reports Reuters.

Although no other carriers have matched United’s changes yet, I expect many, if not all, will raise their own change fees in the coming weeks.

Other recent fare hikes and fee increases include new fuel surcharges on several airlines, aisle and window seat charges on US Airways, and extra service for extra money at Air Canada. Feeling nickel-and-dimed yet?