Surging fuel prices tied to the Iran War are leading airlines to raise checked bag fees and and bring back fuel surchages to tickets. .
It’s happening fast and is hard to keep track of. But here’s a quick rundown and links to the new fee charts for checked bags on U.S. airlines. Most carriers continue to waive checked bag fees for customers with certain airline status and credit cards.
The Seattle-based carrier said on Thursday that “[d]ue to ongoing volatility in fuel prices and an uncertain global environment,” it raising checked bag fees for travel in North America on Alaska AIrlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
For flights booked on or after Friday, April 10, 2026, it will cost $45 to check the first bag – up from $40, $55 to book a second bag – up from $45 and $200 to check a third bag, up from $150.
The $5 discount for prepaying to check a bag at least four hours before departure has been eliminated as well.
For tickets booked on or after April 9, the new bag fee for domestic flights on American Airlines is $50 for the first checked bag (up $10), $60 for the second checked bag (up $10) and $200 for the third checked bag (up $50).
Starting May 18, 2026, passengers with Basic Economy tickets pay an extra $5 to check bags: $55 for their first checked bag and $65 for their second checked bag.
The $5 discount for prepaying for checked bags on American Airlines’ website or mobile app remains. For now.
Delta now charges $45 to check one bag (up $10), $55 for a second bag (up $10) and $200 for a third (up $50).
JetBlue, which already charges more to check bags during peak travel times, raised its checked bag fees at the end of March.
For most economy tickets, checked bag fees increased $4 for off-peak travel periods and $9 during peak travel times.
The first checked bag now costs $49 (off-peak) and $59 (peak). The 2nd check back is $69/$79 (off-peak/peak) and the third bag is $125/$135 (off-peak/peak.)
The $10 per bag discount for prepaying the 1st and 2nd checked bag fee at least 24 hours before departure remains.
Southwest, which only recently started charging bag fees, has raised fees on the first and second checked bags by $10.
The charge for the first checked bag is raised from $35 to $45. The second checked bag charge has gone up to $45 to $55.
As of April 3, 2026, fees for checked bags on United Airlines are up $10 for the first and second checked bag and by $50 for the third checked bag.
The new fees are $50 for the first bag, $60 for the second bag and $200 for the third bag (up $50), with a $5 per bag discount on prepaying for the 1st and 2nd bag at least 24 hours before a flight.
While you can choose whether or not to check a bag and pays those fees, it’s another issue when it comes to paying for your seat.
Many airlines are also tacking on fuel surcharges to purchased tickets and award tickets, or just raising fares, in response to rising fuel costs.
If you’re getting ready to start searching for tickets for summer travel, be ready for higher than expected prices.
Travel website, Going, found that domestic airfare is up roughly 20% compared to this time last year. Average median roundtrip prices for domestic fares were $412 last summer but are now closer to $489 roundtrip.
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