Several major U.S. airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, impacting travelers on domestic and international routes. While Southwest Airlines remains the exception with its two-free checked bags policy, carriers like Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United have raised their fees, with some offering discounts for advance online payment.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest baggage fee changes by airline.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has increased their checked baggage fees by $5, with the first checked bag now at $35 and the second $45 on all standard tickets. Alaska Airlines also allows branded credit card holders and Elite Mileage Plan members to check up to three bags free, with the exact number depending on the specific membership.
American Airlines
The first checked bag fee for domestic travel on American Airlines is $40 with a $5 discount if paid online. The second checked bag has increased from $40 to $45, regardless of where you check-in.
The carrier’s international bag fees vary by destination. For travel to and from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Guyana, the first checked bag is $35, while the second is $40.Transatlantic and transpacific flights (excluding basic economy) include one free checked bag, with a second checked bag charged at $75.
For travel to South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname), the first checked bag is free and the second is $60.
Delta Airlines
As of March 5, the first checked bag on domestic and short-haul international routes will be $35 and the second $45. This increase only applies to tickets booked after March 5 regardless of travel date.
JetBlue
JetBlue baggage fees vary based on ticket type. For Blue Basic, Blue and Blue Extra fares, the first checked bag costs $35 if booked in advance and $45 if booked within 24 hours of departure. The second checked bag costs $50 or $60 if booked within 24 hours of departure.
Blue Plus, Mint and Mosaic ticket holders receive their first checked bags for free. For Blue Plus, the second bag is $50 if booked in advance or $60 if booked within 24 hours of departure. Mosaic and Mint ticket holders also get their second checked bag for free.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest does not charge for the first or second checked bags unless they are over 51 pounds, at which the fee is $100 per bag. If the bag is above 70 pounds, that charge is escalated to $125.
United Airlines
As of February 24, United Airlines passengers must pay an additional $5 for their first and second checked bags. For United economy passengers on domestic flights, the first checked bag is now $40 and the second is $50 when paid at the airport. There is a $5 discount for checked bags when paid online at least 24 hours in advance.
Certain United loyalty program members or credit card holders, such as United Chase and MileagePlus Premier, receive their first checked bag for free. Premium cabin ticket holders also receive a complimentary checked bag.
