American Airlines, Alaska Airlines join other carriers in raising bag fees amid rising fuel prices, Iran war
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines joined several other U.S. carriers this week in raising checked bag fees amid rising jet fuel prices stemming from the ongoing war in Iran.
The new American Airlines policy was announced Thursday and went into effect immediately, affecting tickets purchased on or after April 9 for domestic and short-haul international flights.
"These changes are the result of the airline's continuing evaluation of pricing and in light of the current operating environment," the airline said in a statement announcing the price change.
The checked bag fee for American passengers who purchase domestic Basic Economy tickets will rise on May 18, the airline said.
Alaska Airlines also jumped on the trend Thursday, announcing in a press release that it would increase checked bag fees by $5 and discontinue its prepay bag discount, citing "ongoing volatility in fuel prices and an uncertain global environment."
Alaska Air Group owns and operates Hawaiian Airlines, which was also hit with a checked bag price increase this week.
Baggage fee increases are one of the ways carriers are countering rising jet fuel prices, the second-biggest expense for airlines. As the price of jet fuel rises, airline CEOs expect airfare to rise as well.
Jet fuel prices have doubled since the beginning of the year. United CEO Scott Kirby told ABC News in March that the ongoing Middle East conflict would likely have an impact on customers to help cover the cost of fuel.
Read below for details on the latest baggage fee increases from each airline.
American Airlines
For most fare classes on American Airlines, excluding Basic Economy, the first checked bag price will be $50, the second bag $60, and the third $200 if you check in at the airport.
Travelers who prepay ahead of time through the website or the app will receive a $5 discount, bringing the cost down to $45 for first checked bag and $55 for second.
Additionally, customers who are traveling on domestic Basic Economy tickets will pay $55 for their first checked bag and $65 for their second bag for tickets purchased on or after May 18, the airline said this week. The $5 prepay discount applies to these bags as well.
Southwest Airlines
For customers traveling on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares, the price of a first checked bag on Southwest increased from $35 to $45 and from $45 to $55 for a second checked bag.
Choice Extra travelers and Rapid Rewards members will continue to receive a first checked bag free.
There are no changes for active-duty military members, who can check a first and second bag for free.
The new fee structure will apply to bookings made on or after April 9, Southwest said.
Delta Airlines
Delta announced on April 7 that it would be raising checked bag fees by $10 starting April 8 for domestic and select short-haul international routes.
The price of a first checked bag increased to $45, the second to $55, and the third to $200. Delta said this is the first time in two years it has increased its domestic checked bag fees.
"These updates are part of Delta's ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics," the airline said in a statement at the time of the announcement.
Complimentary bag benefits will continue for Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, SkyMiles American Express Card members and members of the military. The fee increase will not apply to long-haul international fares.
United Airlines
United Airlines increased its checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3.
The airline said it calculates baggage fees based on where you are flying, fare class, and membership status of the traveler. This is the first time the airline says its raising the fees in two years.
Under the new policy, most passengers who prepay will be charged $45 for their first checked bag and $50 if they pay their baggage fees within 24 hours of their flight's departure.
The cost for a second prepaid checked bag comes out to around $55 for most passengers, or $60 if they pay less within 24 hours of their flight's departure.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways increased its checked bag fees last month citing "rising operating costs," including higher jet fuel prices due to the conflict in Iran.
The majority of travelers will see an increase of about $4 when traveling during off-peak season and checking their bag more than 24 hours prior to departure, with the first checked bag increasing from $35 to $39. For those paying less than 24 hours before departure, the checked bag fee increases an additional $10.
Those flying with JetBlue during peak travel seasons like spring break, summer, and the holidays will see an increase of about $9 for their first and second checked bags. The price of the first checked bag increased from $50 to $59 and a second checked bag rose from $70 to $79 for those traveling on Blue, Blue Basic, Blue Extra and EvenMore fares. Those paying less than 24 hours before departure will pay an additional $10 as well. These prices apply to travel within the United States, Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
Under the new Alaska Airlines bag fee policy, the first checked bag will cost $45 (an increase of $5) and the second bag will be $55 (an increase of $10).
The fee for a third checked bag is also increasing, going from $150 to $200.
The changes will apply to North American Alaska Airlines flights and Hawaiian Airlines flights booked on or after Friday, April 10, 2026, according to the airline.
The carrier is also getting rid of its prepay bag discount, which previously offered travelers $5 off their checked bag fee online.
Rewards status members and cardholders will still get free checked bags.
