"Today we matched the move initiated by other airlines," -- United Airlines.

United Airlines on Wednesday raised the fees it charges to check baggage, following fee increases by rivals Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines.

Starting Thursday, United will charge USD$25 to check-in a first bag at the airport and USD$35 for a second bag on flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Canada. For bags checked online it is now USD$23 for a first bag and USD$32 for a second.

This is a USD$5 increase for airport bag checks and a USD$6 increase for online bag checks.

The fees apply to passengers who purchase their tickets on or after January 14 for travel on or after January 21.

"Today we matched the move initiated by other airlines," said UAL spokeswoman Robin Urbanski.

The fee increases are the latest this month by US airlines trying to recover from the economic recession. Carriers rely heavily on sales of ancillary revenues earned from sales of goods and services to passengers.

Southwest Airlines, which boasts its "bags fly free" policy, has been a notable exception to the trend.