Airlines Charging More for Checked Bags
Over the last week, the airline industry has seen a series of price hikes for checked bags. Influenced by rising jet fuel costs several major carriers have increased prices, with JetBlue kicking things off about a week ago.
Historically, airline baggage fees tend to go up when costs rise, but they almost never come down when those costs subside.
JetBlue switched to dynamic pricing two years ago and now they were first to increase prices for checked bags. Most domestic economy passengers now $39 for their first checked bag, up from $35. During peak travel times the price is $49 instead of $40. If paying less than 24 hours before departure, travelers will pay an extra $10.
United Airlines was next to increase prices on April 3rd. Fees went up by $10 for your first and second checked bag and by $50 for your third checked bag in most markets. That brings the price to $50 for the first checked bag, $60 for the second and $200 for the third. Customers in most markets get a $5 discount when they prepay for their bags online more than 24 hours before departure.
Then it was Delta‘s turn. Effective for bookings made on or after April 8, 2026, the cost for the first checked bag went up by $10 for the first and second bag and by $50 for the third. That means the first bag now costs $45, the second to $55, and the third to $200.
Today it’s Southwest that will start charging more for checked bags. While they offered two free checked bags for over 50 years, they now have their first price hike. The first bag goes from $35 to $45, the second from $45 to $55, and the third remains $150.
And while I was writing this article, news came out that American Airlines is also increasing checked bag fees by $10 today. That means $45 for first checked bag when prepaid or $50 at the airport, and $55 for second checked bag when prepaid or $60 at the airport. Basic Economy passengers get hit with an extra $5 fee for checked bags.
Alaska Airlines now remain the only holdout for now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they hike prices in the next few days.
Airlines do offer free checked bags for loyal customers who have elite status or one of their credits cards. More expensive fares will also come with free checked bags usually. And a sure way to avoid paying these fees is to avoid checking bags at all.
