Overview
- American Airlines, which announced changes Thursday, raised first and second checked bags by $10 to $50 and $60 at the airport ($45 and $55 online), lifted a third bag to $200, and will add a $5 surcharge plus seat selection fees and no upgrades for basic economy starting May 18.
- With American’s move, all five major U.S. carriers now price a first checked bag around $45 and a second around $55 on many domestic and short‑haul routes, while elites, premium‑cabin flyers, active‑duty military and many co‑branded cardholders still get free bags.
- Delta’s new fees apply to tickets bought on or after Wednesday, with $45 for a first bag, $55 for a second, and $200 for a third on eligible routes, and Southwest’s match begins Thursday at $45 and $55 for the first two bags.
- Airlines point to higher jet‑fuel costs tied to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. rules that bundle fuel into base fares make baggage fees a faster way to pass on costs while avoiding the 7.5% ticket tax.
- Analysts say these increases tend to be sticky, so families and leisure travelers who check bags should budget more for trips, and prepaying online can cut about $5 per bag on some airlines.