Rising Checked Bag Fees: Navigating U.S. Airlines’ Latest Cost Increases
In a move that signals growing operational costs, several U.S. airlines have upped the ante on checked bag fees, adding an extra layer of expense for travelers. After maintaining a steady rate for the past five years, the cost for passengers to check their bags is on the rise, reflecting the airlines’ response to heightened fuel prices and operational demands.
The Ripple Effect of Fee Increases
Alaska Airlines led the charge with a $5 increase in January, adjusting the fee for the first and second checked bags to $35 and $45, respectively. Citing the strain of rising operating costs as the culprit, this adjustment set a precedent for others in the industry.
JetBlue followed suit, instituting a $10 hike for bags checked within 24 hours of departure. Now, travelers face a fee of $45 for the first bag and $60 for the second, if not prepaid before the 24-hour window. This strategic move aims to mitigate financial losses, evidenced by JetBlue’s $104 million deficit in the final quarter of 2023.
American Airlines has also revised its baggage fee structure, introducing a tiered pricing model. Online prepayments for the first checked bag have increased to $35, with airport payments jumping to $40—a notable $10 increase. The fee for a second checked bag has been set at $45 across the board.
United Airlines Joins the Trend
United Airlines has announced its intention to increase baggage fees by $5 across most markets, adjusting the charge for the first and second checked bags to fall between $35 and $40, and $45 to $50, respectively.
A Comprehensive Look at New Baggage Fees
| Airline | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | $35 | $45 |
| American Airlines | $35–$40 | $45 |
| Delta Air Lines | $30 | $40 |
| JetBlue | $35–$45 | $50–$60 |
| Southwest Airlines | Free | Free |
| United Airlines | $35–$40 | $45–$50 |
Delta Air Lines remains the sole U.S. legacy carrier to have not announced an increase in bag fees since 2018. However, industry experts like Stella Shon of Upgraded Points suggest that similar changes across airlines are likely on the horizon.
Strategies for Avoiding Higher Fees
To dodge these rising costs, travelers might opt for Southwest Airlines, which continues to offer two free checked bags per customer. Alternatively, airlines like American, Delta, JetBlue, and United offer exemptions for certain groups, including elite status members, cobranded credit cardholders, premium cabin passengers, and active-duty military.
The introduction of variable pricing based on the timing of the baggage fee payment by American and JetBlue underscores the need for passengers to plan ahead. This trend could lead travelers to either pack more efficiently into carry-ons or consider applying for a cobranded airline credit card, which can offer a waived checked bag fee among other perks, making it a potentially cost-effective choice for even infrequent flyers.
As U.S. airlines navigate through the challenges of escalating operational costs, passengers will need to adapt their travel strategies to manage these additional expenses effectively. Whether through strategic packing, leveraging airline loyalty programs, or taking advantage of credit card benefits, there are still ways for travelers to mitigate the impact of these fee increases.