Checked Bag Fees Hiked by Delta and Southwest – What Travelers Need to Know

It is going to be difficult for savvy travelers to fly with Delta and Southwest Airlines as both carriers have decided to increase their bag fees. In this situation, where the Middle East has tensions, affecting the aviation industry economically and making it difficult for the carriers to survive, major US carriers have made the decision to increase prices on their baggage fees with the expectation of balancing out the jump in jet fuel prices. 

Southwest Airlines said in a statement that "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, effective on all reservations ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026. "

From the start of global tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US, the jet fuel price surged to around $209 per barrel, which was recorded somewhere between $85 and $90 per barrel, as per the data shared by the International Air Transport Association. Delta Airlines & Southwest Airlines said that the fees for the 1st and 2nd checked baggage will be increased by $10 for all new reservations made after April 9 this year. So, previously, the baggage fees, which used to be around $35 for the first checked bag, were changed to $45, and $45 is changed to $55 for the second one. In the case of Delta Airlines, the baggage fees range between $50 to $200. 

Delta Airlines stated, "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, " in a statement on Tuesday. The new bag fees for a Delta Airline flight will take effect with bookings starting from Wednesday for all domestic flights and short-haul international flights. Currently, Delta has not shared any information on whether this baggage fee surge would be applicable to long-haul international flights. 

A few days back, United Airlines and JetBlue also increased their baggage fees, and here, Delta and Southwest are following a similar pricing move. According to recent data from Argus, jet fuel prices in many US cities have risen by more than 85%, with prices now at $4.69 a gallon. The key Strait of Hormuz shipping channel has remained effectively closed over the past month, eventually choking the global crude oil supply, including refined fuel as well.

After Delta Air Lines' first-quarter results, investors have asked a basic question about the rise in jet fuel prices and how well the airline covers this, given that fuel is its biggest expense. Well, the analysts have pointed towards strong demand as a salve for high fuel prices. However, it is still not clear that carriers will be able to cover costs in the long run, as fuel prices are gradually rising, and increasing baggage fees would not always be an option to offset jet fuel surges.