Airlines raise bag fees. How much they're going up

If you're booking a flight for vacation, prepare to face higher bag rates as the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict drives up fuel costs for airlines and they respond with new fees.

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines on Tuesday, April 7, announced that they were raising fees for checked bags by $10, USA TODAY and the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

With United Airlines and JetBlue having announced increased fees in the last two weeks, four major airlines have now raised bag fees since the war in Iran caused jet fuel prices to take off.

The new Delta rates are effective immediately, and apply to tickets purchased on or after April 8 for domestic and certain short-haul international routes, such as flights to the Caribbean, parts of Latin America, and Canada. Checked bag prices on long-haul international routes will not change, and Delta flyers who get free baggage perks with Medallion elite status or from their cobranded American Express card will still get their bags checked for free.

Delta Airlines jets line up to take off from Palm Beach International Airport on March 26, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

"These updates are part of Delta’s ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics," a Delta spokesperson told USA TODAY.

The Southwest Airlines rates are in effect for all flights booked or changed voluntarily after Thursday, April 9. The carrier also raised the fee for a second checked bag.

"As part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop, Southwest Airlines is increasing its fees on first and second checked bags by $10," Southwest Airlines said in a statement.

Customers who previously qualified for a free checked bag on Southwest through their credit card, frequent flyer status, or ticket class will still get the perk.

Here's what to know about rising baggage costs for flights.

What are Delta's new bag fees?

According to Delta, the new fees on applicable flights are:

• $45 for the first checked bag (an increase of $10)
• $55 for a second bag (an increase of $10)
• $200 for a third bag (an increase of $50)

Premium cabin customers, elite frequent flyers, and co-branded credit card holders will maintain their free checked bag benefits.

Where does Delta Air Lines fly in Michigan?

In Michigan, Delta Air Lines operates at or with the following airports:

• Capital Region International Airport in Lansing
• Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City
• Chippewa County International Airport in Kincheloe
• Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus
• Ford Airport in Iron Mountain
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids
• Gogebic-Iron County Airport in Ironwood
• MBS International Airport in Freeland
• Muskegon County Airport in Muskegon
• Pellston Regional Airport in Pellston

What are Southwest Airlines' new bag fees?

• $45 for the first checked bag (an increase of $10)
• $55 for a second bag (an increase of $10)
• $150 for a third bag (no change)

A-List Preferred and Choice Extra Customers will continue to get two free bags. A List and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will continue to get their first checked bag free (weight and size limits apply). There are no changes to active-duty military checked bag benefits. 

Other airlines announced bag check hikes earlier this month.

Where does Southwest Airlines fly in Michigan?

In Michigan, Southwest Airlines operates at or with the following airports:

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids
• Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus

What are United Airlines' new bag fees?

United Airlines announced its bag fee hike at the beginning of April. The new fees for flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America are:

• $50 for the first checked bag (an increase of $10)
• $60 for a second bag (an increase of $10)
• $200 for a third bag (an increase of $50)

Fees may change, depending on the destination (United offers a baggage calculator to find out). However, travelers get a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags at least 24 hours in advance. Mileage Plus members with Premier elite status or members with cobranded credit cards will still enjoy the free bag perk.

Where does United Airlines fly in Michigan?

In Michigan, United Airlines operates at or with the following airports:

• Capital Region International Airport in Lansing
• Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City
• Chippewa County International Airport in Kincheloe
• Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus
• Flint Bishop International Airport in Flint
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids
• Gogebic-Iron County Airport in Ironwood
• Houghton County Memorial Airport in Calumet
• Manistee County Blacker Airport in Manistee
• MBS International Airport in Freeland
• Muskegon County Airport in Muskegon
• Pellston Regional Airport in Pellston

What are JetBlue's new bag fees?

JetBlue was the first U.S. carrier to raise bag fees after the U.S. and Israel began fighting Iran, announcing at the end of March it was raising prices to cover operating costs.

Travelers will be charged at least $4 more per bag, but it may go up to $10 per bag during peak times. Bag fees start at $39. You will also be charged $10 more per bag if you check them in less than 24 hours before departure.

A third checked bag is $125 off-peak or $135 on peak demand days, and fourth and subsequent bags are $150 off-peak or $160 during heavy demand days.

Blue Plus and Mosaic ticket and JetBlue Plus and Premier cardmembers will continue to get their first bag for free, with different fees for additional bags. Mint tickets get the first bag free, up to 70 lbs.

Where does JetBlue fly in Michigan?

In Michigan, JetBlue operates at or with the following airports:

• Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City
• Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus

Tallahassee Democrat and USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].