Overview
- Three major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Air, have raised their checked bag fees since the start of 2024, with increases of nearly 30% in some cases.
- American Airlines cites ongoing inflation and increased fuel and operating costs as reasons for the fee hikes.
- Travelers can avoid these fees by using travel and airline credit cards offering perks such as free checked bags or applying travel credits toward baggage fees.
- Airlines offer various ways to save on baggage fees, including checking bags online in advance and using specific credit cards co-branded with airlines.
- The changes in baggage fees apply to all tickets purchased on or after February 20, 2024, affecting flights within the U.S., to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guyana.