Delta, Southwest raise checked bag fees by $10 amid fuel costs

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines announced increases to checked baggage fees on Tuesday, becoming the third and fourth major U.S. carriers to raise prices as the industry responds to elevated jet fuel costs tied to the war in the Middle East.

Beginning Wednesday, Delta will charge $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on most domestic and short-haul international flights, representing a $10 increase on each. A third checked bag will cost $200, up $50 from the previous rate. The changes apply to bookings starting Wednesday.

Southwest's increase takes effect on all reservations ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9. The airline will also charge $45 for a first checked bag and $55 for a second, matching Delta's new rates.

"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," Delta said in a statement.

Southwest stated: "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."

The announcements follow similar moves by United Airlines and JetBlue, which raised baggage fees last week. Delta noted this marks its first increase to checked baggage fees on domestic routes in two years.

Complimentary checked bags remain available to customers in premium cabins, active-duty military personnel, eligible co-branded credit card holders, and members of certain loyalty programs at Delta.

Southwest ended its longstanding policy of allowing all customers to check two bags for free less than a year ago, prior to this latest fee increase.