Last week, I covered United Airlines’ decision to raise its baggage fees. The commercial airline, which hadn’t raised prices in around two years, made the decision to hike up fees following spiking oil prices.
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The jump in price for domestic and international flights is $10. That raises first checked bag fees from $40 to $50, and second bags from $50 to $60. Flyers can save $5 per checked bag by paying for bags online prior to checking in at the airport.
The move came shortly after JetBlue shifted its baggage fees for a second time in 2026, raising them according to adjusted off-peak and peak rates. At the moment, domestic passengers pay $39 per checked bag during the off-season or $49 during peak season for the first checked bag. You’ll owe an extra $10 per bag if you pay within 24 hours of your flight, too.
Since United Airlines and JetBlue announced their raised fees, two more American carriers have raised baggage fees: Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Here’s what you need to know.
Delta & Southwest raise baggage fees starting April 8 & 9
Starting on April 8, Delta Airlines will charge $45 for the first checked bag, then $55 for a second. That’s up from $35 and $45, respectively. Note that this only affects flights that were purchased on April 8 or after. SkyMiles members still must pay the checked bag fee or cover checked bags using points.
Starting on April 9, Southwest Airlines has also raised its fees. The first checked bag on Southwest flights costs $45, then $55 for a second, up from $35 and $45, previously. As with Delta, only passengers who pay for flights after April 9 (as in, starting on April 10) will pay the raised fee.
The move by Southwest Airlines has drawn attention because the carrier instituted checked bag fees for the first time back in 2025. The jump from $35 to $45 in a single year represents a high spike.
The upcharges are coming after ongoing air travel disruptions and global tensions that have seen oil prices skyrocket worldwide.
Here’s an overview of updated baggage fees for the four airlines that have hiked prices in 2026:
- Delta: First bag for $50, second bag for $60
- JetBlue: First bag for $49, second bag for $69 during peak season (or first bag for $39, second bag for $59 during off-peak season)
- Southwest: First bag for $45, second bag for $55
- United: First bag for $45, second bag for $55
