Airline ticket prices aren’t the only thing costing more these days. You’ll also be paying extra to get your shoes and unmentionables to your destination.
Delta Air Lines is the latest carrier to increase of its luggage fees, announcing it was hiking the price of a checked bag by $5, effective immediately. Flying with luggage will now cost you $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag.
The move is a domino effect of sorts in the airline industry. Alaska Airlines kicked things off, increasing its luggage rates at the start of the year. American Airlines followed suit two weeks ago, raising the cost of the first checked bag to $35 or $40, depending on whether you declare it before you get to the airport. Then United Airlines raised prices (matching American’s rates), as did JetBlue, which raised its prices by $10 per bag to $35–$45 for the first bag and $50–$60 for the second.
Southwest Airlines remains the only carrier that does not charge for checked bags.
A few caveats: If you bought your tickets before Tuesday, March 5, you won’t have to pay the increase retroactively. And if you’re a SkyMiles Medallion member, have a Delta American Express card or are traveling in first class, you will continue to receive the usual allotment of complimentary bags.
This is the first time Delta has increased its baggage fees since 2018. The Atlanta-based carrier says the move is necessary due to rising industry costs. That’s the same reason other carriers have given for their moves.
Airlines make a significant amount of money by charging for checked luggage. In the first three quarters of last year, the industry saw revenues of nearly $5.5 billion just from bag fees, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Last year’s totals are expected to top 2022’s luggage revenue of $6.8 billion.