Business

Delta hikes bag fees for the first time in years as fuel costs surge

Tonya Costoff Medeiros

10 Apr 2026 — 1 min read

Delta passengers will need to pay $10 more for checking their bags on all domestic and some short-haul international flights. © Image Credit: Unsplash / Isaac Struna

As if traveling wasn't expensive enough, it looks like you're going to have to pay even more now. Delta has announced its bag-check fee is going up, effective immediately.

Blame the cost of jet fuel

Delta is placing the blame on the rise in jet fuel costs. To help cushion the blow, travelers will need to pay an extra fee for first, second, and third checked bags.

“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,” said a spokesperson at Delta.

The new checked bag fees are:
First bag: $45
Second bag: $55
Third bag: $200

The only passengers that won't be affected by the new rates are first-class passengers, Delta SkyMiles Medallion club members, and a few other "eligible" customers.

This increase will affect all domestic and some of the carrier's short-haul international flights.

Not the only airline making fee changes

Delta's fee increase isn't exactly getting a warm reception from travelers, but it's also not the only airline doing it.

Southwest Airlines has also increased its checked bag fees by $10 across the board. Just last week, United Airlines announced an increase, and JetBlue had already raised its bag check fees in February.

And it's not just the fees that are changing; many airlines have also cut routes and seat availability.

The big question is, will rates ever go back down

The hope is that the war in the Middle East won't last long, allowing the economy to recover. But if you think an end to hostilities means airlines will go back to their pre-war prices, that's an optimistic view.

Delta didn't answer whether these rate increases would be permanent or temporary.

A very fluid situation in the travel industry

The bottom line is that if you're planning to travel anytime in the near future, you'll need to budget a bit more money for your flight.

Sources: CBS News, The Guardian

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