Overview
- Delta said Tuesday it will lift checked bag fees for tickets bought starting Wednesday, setting $45 for a first bag, $55 for a second, and $200 for a third on domestic and select short-haul international routes.
- Industry data show jet fuel averaging about $4.69 per gallon this week, which is up roughly 88% since the Feb. 28 strikes on Iran as the key Strait of Hormuz shipping lane remains largely shut.
- United raised first and second bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased April 3, and JetBlue lifted off-peak first-bag prices to $39 and peak to $49 after rolling out increases March 30.
- Free-bag perks stay in place for elite members, premium-cabin travelers, co-branded cardholders, and active-duty military, and most long-haul international itineraries on Delta keep existing baggage rules.
- Airlines favor fees over fare hikes because optional charges are not subject to the federal ticket tax, though analysts warn more carriers could match the increases and fares may still climb if fuel stays high.