Well folks, it seems like we are all grounded this spring, as all signs point to travel getting more expensive by the minute. In addition to rising fuel costs, major airlines are now raising baggage fees — and signaling that more price increases could be on the way.
Travelers flying with United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Delta Air Lines will soon pay more to check their luggage, as rising fuel costs continue to ripple through the airline industry.
How Much More Will Travelers Pay For Delta?
Delta Air Lines is the latest carrier to raise checked bag fees. For tickets booked starting April 8, most Delta passengers will pay $45 for a first checked bag, up from $35. The second bag is also going up by $10, now costing $55, while the fee for a third checked bag is jumping from $150 to $200.
Frequent flyers and certain credit card holders will still get some relief, as baggage perks remain in place for elite loyalty members and customers with eligible co-branded cards.
How Much More Will Travelers Pay For United?
United recently announced its own increase, marking its first raised baggage fee in two years. The airline said the change, which will go into effect on April 10, comes as fuel costs continue to climb, adding significant pressure to operating expenses. Under the updated structure, travelers on routes across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Latin America will pay about $10 more for their first and second checked bags. The price for a third checked bag is seeing a larger jump, increasing by $50.
Some United passengers will still get a free first checked bag, including co-branded credit card holders, certain loyalty members, active military personnel, and those flying in premium cabins. Travelers who check bags less than 24 hours before departure will be charged an additional $5.
United has not explicitly tied the changes to rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. However, CEO Scott Kirby has cautioned that persistently higher jet fuel prices could weigh on the airline’s financial performance.
Kirby said the increase in jet fuel prices since late February has already added roughly $400 million to the airline’s operating costs. Fuel is typically the second-largest expense for airlines after labor, making it a major factor in pricing decisions.
The average price of jet fuel in major U.S. markets recently reached $4.88 per gallon, up from about $2.50 before the conflict began.
What Changes Is JetBlue Making?
JetBlue also raised its baggage fees in late March, increasing prices by at least $4 during off-peak travel and up to $9 during busier periods like summer and holidays. That brings the cost of a first checked bag to $39 during off-peak times and $49 during peak travel on routes across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.
Passengers who wait until less than 24 hours before departure to pay for baggage will face an additional $10 fee.
‘This Is Pure Price Gouging’
People are so fatigued by the recent financial snowball effect impacting nearly every part of daily life that news like this barely surprises anyone anymore. Instead, many are reacting with a mix of frustration and sarcasm — more of a “yeah, what else is new” attitude.
“Announcement: Starting July of this year, you will be expected to tip your steward or stewardess,” one Reddit user joked. “For exceptional service, 25% of the airfare is expected as a tip for the crew.”
“LOL, clockwork. Airlines should just make all fees $100 to see who still bites,” another added.
A third commenter wrote, “This is pure price gouging. They are raising fees because they don’t pay taxes on them, but they do on ticket sales.”
What do you think of the new fees? Let us know in the comments below.
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