Flying with These U.S. Airlines Will Now Cost You More for Checked Bags

The cost of checking bags is rising again for several U.S. airlines. It’s been roughly five years since major U.S. carriers collectively set checked bag fees at $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. Now, some airlines are increasing these costs, making it pricier for passengers to use the cargo hold.

Alaska Airlines initiated this latest round of fee hikes in January, raising the charge for a first checked bag to $35 and a second to $45 (an increase of $5). The airline cited “escalating operating costs, including high fuel prices” as the reason for this change.

Recently, JetBlue quietly adjusted its checked bag fees for flights within the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. This change will particularly affect last-minute travelers; the cost for the first checked bag is now $45, and $60 for the second—an increase of $10 for those checking bags within 24 hours of departure. Passengers who prepay for their bags more than 24 hours in advance will still pay $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second.

“We regret having to raise fees, but it’s a necessary step towards restoring profitability and addressing the rising costs of baggage transport,” the airline stated in an announcement. JetBlue reported a $104 million loss in the final quarter of 2023.

This week, American Airlines became the newest airline to hike checked bag fees. Similar to JetBlue, they’ve introduced a tiered system: a lower fee for bags paid for in advance and a higher fee for those settled at the airport. A first checked bag on American’s domestic flights will now cost $35 online, up from $30, while purchasing it at the airport will set passengers back $40, marking a $10 increase. The second bag costs $45, up from $40, regardless of the purchase method.

Starting February 24, United Airlines announced it will also increase baggage fees by $5 in most areas. Previously, United charged between $30 and $35 for the first checked bag and between $40 and $45 for the second, meaning new prices will range from $35 to $40 for the first bag and $45 to $50 for the second.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the new fees each airline is implementing.

As of now, Delta Air Lines remains the only U.S. legacy carrier that hasn’t raised checked bag fees since 2018. While Delta hasn’t yet revealed any forthcoming changes as of this writing, historical patterns suggest fee increases are likely. “Airlines typically follow each other when it comes to changes in ancillary fees,” comments Stella Shon, a consumer travel expert from the travel site Upgraded Points.

However, unlike in previous years, American and JetBlue are implementing distinct checked bag rates based on when customers make their purchases. Both airlines are encouraging travelers to plan ahead to secure lower baggage costs.

Airlines collectively raked in $5.5 billion in baggage fees during the first three quarters of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation.

Want to avoid checked bag fees? Consider flying Southwest, which boasts an industry-leading policy allowing every traveler to check two bags for free. Additionally, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United waive fees for the first checked bag on domestic flights for certain customers, including those with elite status, cobranded credit cardholders, passengers in premium classes, and active military personnel.

For example, while Delta refrained from commenting on possible changes to bag fees, a spokesperson mentioned that travelers with an American Express SkyMiles card, Silver Medallion status or above, confirmed first class or Delta One bookings, or active military members traveling on orders will not incur fees for their first checked bag.

For others, these changes are likely to push travelers toward one of two options. On one hand, many may opt to pack more into their carry-ons, bringing them onboard instead of paying for checked luggage. Fortunately, airlines are finally allowing more space for everyone’s carry-on roller bags (as long as travelers store their bags on their sides and limit overhead bin items to one per person). This may lead to longer boarding times.

Conversely, passengers might be more inclined to apply for a cobranded credit card. Many such cards have annual fees below $100, making them appealing even for infrequent travelers who check bags. A waived fee for the first checked bag for the cardholder and all in the reservation can yield significant savings, which is precisely what airlines aim for by encouraging credit card sign-ups.