Three US airlines raise checked baggage fee as cost of jet fuel soars

WorldBusiness & Finance
9 Apr 2026 • 1:11 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Delta Air Lines has increased checked baggage fees for domestic and short-haul international flights, effective from Wednesday.
  • Most passengers on Delta’s domestic and short-haul international routes will pay $10 more for their first and second checked bags, and $50 more to check a third. That brings the fees to $45 for the first bag, $55 for the second and $200 for the third.
  • Two other major US carriers, United and JetBlue, have also recently implemented similar increases to their baggage fees.
  • The adjustments are a direct result of skyrocketing jet fuel prices, which have added around $400 million to Delta's operating expenses since the Middle East conflict began.
  • Airlines worldwide are contending with volatile oil markets, with one CEO cautioning that some carriers might not survive the ongoing crisis.

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