Updated on April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
American, Alaska Airlines Raise Checked Bag Fees Amid Industry-Wide Price Increases
In the latest domino effect of fare adjustments across U.S. carriers amid rising fuel costs, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have both increased checked baggage fees effective this month.
For American Airlines, changes apply to tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026. The first checked bag will now cost $45 when prepaid online or via the airline’s app, and $50 when paid at the airport, up from $35 and $40, respectively. The second checked bag has increased to $55 prepaid or $60 at the airport.
Alaska Airlines implemented its increases for tickets booked on or after April 10, 2026. The first checked bag has risen to $45, up from $40, while the second bag increases to $55, up from $45. The cost of a third bag or additional luggage has climbed more sharply, from $150 to $200.
Updated April 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Southwest Airlines has increased its checked baggage fees by $10 for tickets purchased starting April 9, joining other carriers as jet fuel costs rise amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Customers are now required to pay $45 for their first checked bag, up from $35, while a second checked bag will cost $55, up from $45.
ORIGINAL STORY
JetBlue has raised checked bag fees by as much as $9, citing a sharp rise in fuel costs tied to ongoing instability in the Middle East.
The new pricing took effect on Monday, March 30th. For most domestic economy passengers, a first checked bag now costs $39, up from $35, while peak travel periods—such as April spring break, major holidays and summer months—will see that fee climb to $49, up from $40.
Fees for a second checked bag have also increased, rising to $59 during off-peak times and $69 during peak periods.
Rising Fuel Costs Drive Fee Hikes
The airline said the move reflects a broader strategy to offset rising operating costs while keeping base airfares competitive. In a statement, JetBlue noted that increasing fees for optional services used by select customers allows it to manage expenses without broadly raising ticket prices, though it acknowledged such increases are “never ideal.”
Fuel costs have surged more than 85 percent since late February, when conflict in the Middle East began disrupting global oil flows.
A key pressure point has been the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Reduced shipping traffic through the strait, along with airspace closures that force longer, less fuel-efficient flight routes, has intensified cost pressures across commercial and all aviation.
Jet fuel, which typically accounts for about a quarter of airline operating expenses, has risen dramatically—reaching $4.64 per gallon, up from $2.50 before the conflict. Industry analysts say U.S. carriers, which generally avoid direct fuel surcharges, are likely to continue passing these costs on through ancillary fees like baggage and seat upgrades. Once one airline raises fees, others often follow.
Sure enough, as of Friday, April 3rd, United Airlines became the latest carrier to pass down rising oil costs to its customers by raising checked baggage fees. The Chicago-based airline confirmed that it will hike fees by $10, effective immediately.
JetBlue noted that some passengers will still qualify for free checked bags, including certain loyalty members, co-branded credit card holders and most travelers on transatlantic routes.
