U.S. airlines including JetBlue, United, Delta and Southwest are raising baggage fees as jet fuel costs climb, signaling more expensive summer travel ahead.
It is not just ticket prices being affected by the geopolitical situation. Travelers will also pay more to check baggage this spring and summer due to rising jet fuel costs. Four U.S. airlines have revised their baggage fees, and fliers can expect to pay $10 more to check a bag. This, along with fuel surcharges and skyrocketing ticket prices, will make travel relatively more expensive this year.
JetBlue was the first major U.S. airline to pass rising jet fuel costs on to customers. On March 30, the low-cost airline announced that the first checked bag will cost $39 (up from $35), and during peak travel season, it will cost $49 (up from $40). Bringing a second bag will also be more expensive, at $59 during off-peak times and $69 during peak times (both up by $9).
JetBlue told CNBC that it’s never ideal to increase fees, but these changes are made only when necessary. “As we experience rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value.”
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As expected by experts, United soon followed suit, raising its baggage fee by $10. “For tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026, fees will go up by $10 for your first and second checked bag and by $50 for your third checked bag in most markets,” it now says on its website. This is the first time in two years that the airline has increased baggage fees, it says, without giving a reason.
This week, Delta and Southwest also added $10 to baggage costs.
Passengers will pay $45 for a first bag, $55 for a second, and $200 for a third bag on domestic or short-haul international flights with Delta. However, first-class passengers and loyalty customers will have exceptions. Delta said in a statement, “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.”
Southwest, for decades, had a “bags fly free” policy. It changed last year when it started charging $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Now it has increased fees “against the evolving global backdrop.” For bookings from April 9, the first bag will cost $45 to check and the second $55. Loyalty members (A-List Preferred and Choice Extra customers) still receive two free checked bags.
Airlines cannot continually raise ticket prices, so they increase ancillary fees, which do not change base fares and affect fewer customers. Airlines in the U.S. make more than $7 billion on baggage fees every year. It is a major source of revenue, and usually if one airline raises prices, others soon follow. Katy Nastro, an expert on airlines from Going.com, told The New York Times, “Airlines tend to move in herds when it comes to extras.”
Fuel makes up 20% to 40% of airline operating costs. When prices rise, airlines typically do not absorb them but pass them on to customers. Since the U.S.-Iran war began, the aviation industry has struggled to adapt across the globe. Along with disruptions, cancellations and rerouting, operating costs have surged.
Related: This Is Ominous: Lufthansa Plans to Ground Aircraft Due to Iran War
Jet fuel prices have risen sharply from $2.50 per gallon on Feb. 27 to $4.16 per gallon on April 8. Airlines have started charging more while also cutting some routes to save costs. Air India, Cathay Pacific, Air China, Qantas, WestJet and Air Canada have all raised ticket prices after adding increased surcharges. Meanwhile, United and SAS have trimmed their schedules.
The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire at a critical moment Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to completely destroy Iran if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened. However, Israel continued its attack on Lebanon. The U.S. and Israel claimed it was not part of the deal brokered, while Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again, citing a ceasefire violation. Amid this fragile ceasefire, oil prices remained high as the world watched what happens next in the conflict.
Airline prices are unlikely to come down, and if you are planning summer travel now, you may be surprised by the extra costs and fewer flight options.
Related: Airline Raised Flight Price From $4,000 to $28,000, as War Hits Travel Budgets