American Airlines has just joined Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue in raising checked baggage fees. When I was on Rich DeMuro’s podcast last week, I told him that once Delta matched JetBlue, you could bet the house the others would follow. They have, and their excuse is rising fuel prices.
There’s no doubt fuel prices have gone up dramatically due to the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran. According to The New York Times, “Delta Air Lines plans to spend an additional $2 billion on fuel in the three months ending in June because the war with Iran has pushed up jet fuel prices sharply.”
American Airlines released a statement yesterday saying: “These changes are the result of the airline’s continuing evaluation of pricing and in light of the current operating environment.”
American Airlines
Here’s American’s press release: “For tickets booked on or after April 9, the new bag fee for domestic flights, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and short-haul international flights, is $50 for the first checked bag, $60 for the second, and $200 for the third when purchased at the airport. Customers who prepay for their first and second checked bags on aa.com or through American’s mobile app will receive a $5 discount, paying $45 and $55, respectively.”
Delta Air Lines
From Delta’s website: The baggage fees for Delta Comfort and Delta Main customers traveling on domestic flights within the U.S., without a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, Medallion Status, or Active Military exceptions:
- $45 USD for your first standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg), each way
- $55 USD for your second standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg), each way
United Airlines
For tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026, United fees will increase by $10 for the first and second checked bags and by $50 for the third checked bag in most markets.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska sent out a press release that stated: “Due to ongoing volatility in fuel prices and an uncertain global environment, Alaska Airlines is increasing its checked baggage fees for travel on North American Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights. Fees are increasing by $5 for the first checked bag and $10 for the second. The new fees apply to flights booked on or after Friday, April 10, 2026. Atmos Rewards status members and eligible cardholders will continue to enjoy their current baggage benefits.”
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue has raised its first checked bag fee by $4, to $39 off-peak and $49 during peak travel periods, with an additional $10 charge if paid within 24 hours of departure.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is raising baggage fees by $10, with the first checked bag now $45 and the second $55. Carry-on bags and personal items remain free for Basic fares.
I can’t blame the airlines for trying to earn more money, especially with fuel prices so high. But it’s almost comical to say it’s because of fuel prices, because once the price of oil goes down, you know their baggage fees won’t. They should just raise airfares.
If you’re trying to avoid these higher baggage fees, the obvious thing to do is pack lighter and stick to carry-on or try to gate check your bag. If you’re not comfortable with doing this, then price out shipping your bags via UPS or FedEx Ground (usually five days in advance) or sign up to your airline’s credit card. The best option for those that travel more frequently is to join your airline’s frequent flyer program and earn elite status.
