Major US Airlines Raise Checked Bag Fees Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Major U.S. Airlines are increasing checked baggage fees as soaring jet fuel costs, driven by conflict in the Middle East, pressure operating margins. American, Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines—the four largest carriers in the United States by passenger volume—have all implemented price hikes for luggage in April 2026.

The surge in fuel prices follows attacks by the U.S. And Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, which caused supply chain disruptions. According to Airlines for America, citing Argus data, jet fuel in major U.S. Cities reached $4.69 a gallon on April 7, 2026, representing a nearly 88% increase since the February 28 attacks.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby informed investors last month that rising fuel costs since the conflict began had added approximately $400 million to the company’s operating costs. Similar cost increases were reported by the CEOs of Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

Detailed Fee Increases by Carrier

American Airlines announced on April 9, 2026, that it has increased checked bag fees for main cabin and basic economy travelers. For domestic flights, including those to Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the first bag for main cabin travelers now costs $50, a $10 increase. A second bag is now priced at $60.

Basic economy travelers will see further increases for tickets purchased starting May 18, 2026, with prices set at $55 for the first bag and $65 for the second. American Airlines is offering a $5 discount on these fees if payment is made via the airline’s website or app.

Southwest Airlines is increasing fees for first and second checked bags by $10 for reservations ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026. For mainland U.S. Travel, the first checked bag will cost $45 and the second will cost $55.

For non-Hawaii residents traveling interisland on tickets purchased on or after April 9, the first checked bag is $30 and the second is $40. These changes follow Southwest’s decision less than a year prior to end its longtime policy of allowing two free checked bags for all customers.

Delta Air Lines increased fees for first and second checked bags by $10 effective April 8, 2026. For domestic and select short-haul international routes, the first bag now costs $45 and the second costs $55. Delta also increased the fee for a third checked bag by $50, bringing the total cost for a third bag to $200.

United Airlines raised its first and second checked bag fees by $10 starting April 3, 2026, for flights within the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. The first bag now costs $45 and the second costs $55. Like Delta, United added a $50 increase for third bags. Customers who check bags less than 24 hours before departure will pay an extra $5.

JetBlue increased its domestic checked baggage fees at the end of March 2026. On non-peak days, the first bag rose from $35 to $39, while peak travel day fees increased from $40 to $49.

Corporate Justifications and Exemptions

Airlines have framed these adjustments as necessary responses to a volatile global environment. Delta stated that the updates reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics.

JetBlue indicated that charging more for optional services used by select customers allows the airline to keep base fares competitive while managing rising operating costs.

Despite the general increases, several carriers maintain exemptions for specific passenger groups:

• United Airlines continues to offer a free first checked bag to active military personnel, certain loyalty-tier members, co-branded credit card holders, and travelers in premium cabins.
• Southwest Airlines stated that different levels of Rapid Rewards members will keep their original benefits without paying extra.
• Delta’s increases do not apply to long-haul international travel or existing complimentary bag benefits.

The industry-wide trend toward higher fees follows a period where many carriers had already increased ticket prices and introduced fuel surcharges. Some airlines have also canceled or planned to cancel flights due to jet fuel shortages resulting from the conflict in Iran.