Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have announced increases to their checked bag fees, with both carriers raising prices by $10. This makes them the third and fourth major U.S. airlines to implement such changes recently, as the industry navigates a significant rise in jet fuel expenses.
Under the new structure, checking a first piece of luggage will now cost $45, while a second bag will be $55 on both airlines. Delta will also charge $200 for a third checked bag.
Southwest Airlines stated its fee adjustments apply to all reservations ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026. The airline had previously ended its policy allowing all customers to check two bags for free less than a year ago. Delta’s updated fees are effective for bookings starting this Wednesday, impacting domestic flights and shorter international routes, but not long-haul international travel. Both airlines cited ongoing business reviews and evolving global conditions as reasons for the changes.
These price hikes follow similar moves made by United Airlines and JetBlue Airways last week. The airline sector is currently facing elevated jet fuel costs, a critical operational expense. According to Airlines for America, citing Argus data, jet fuel was priced at $4.69 per gallon on Monday, reflecting an almost 88% increase since a geopolitical event on February 28. The continued effective closure of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping channel has contributed to a constriction in global crude and refined fuel supplies.
Delta is scheduled to report its first-quarter results before the market opens this Wednesday. Investors are expected to question executives on strategies to manage the surge in fuel prices, which represent airlines’ largest cost after labor. While some analysts point to robust demand as a potential offset for higher fuel expenses, it remains unclear whether carriers will be able to fully absorb the entirety of the price increases.
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