US Airlines Surge Checked Baggage Fees – How Much More Will You Pay?

Recently, plans have been announced by airlines in the United States, including Alaska, American, and JetBlue, to increase checked baggage fees as the aviation industry faces challenges with rising fuel and labor costs.

Passengers will be charged more by all these airlines for checking their luggage at the airport or near departure time. Customers are being encouraged by carriers to pay for checking their luggage before their flight, with the argument that this will lead to the freeing up of staff members at check-in desks and the swift movement of passengers to their gates.

United Airlines

Last week, major US airline United Airlines raised checked baggage fees for passengers traveling in North America. These announcements of hikes came after similar raises were announced by American Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

According to the airline, passengers travelling in economy class in the US after February 24 will be charged $40 for the first checked bag, or $35 if paid in advance. The second bag check at the airport will cost customers $50, or $45 in advance.

While expenses for maintenance and labour contracts have increased for carriers, their pricing power has eroded in the domestic market of the United States. Four years ago, the price of checked luggage at airports was increased by United by $5 to $35, or $30 if passengers paid in advance online.

A statement was issued by United, stating, "For the first time in four years, checked bag fees are being raised by United for customers travelling in North America."

"United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and customers travelling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free, and customers in most markets will still enjoy a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online at least 24 hours before their flight," it was added as per The USA TODAY.

American Airlines

A modification was announced by American Airlines, stating that no checked bag hikes had been announced since 2018, on Teusday. According to the revised rules, checking in a bag on American Airlines domestic flights will now cost $40 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag, up from $30 and $40, respectively. The first checked bag fee can be slightly lower, at $35, if purchased online rather than at the airport.

The checked luggage prices on flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guyana are also being raised by the airline. Flyers will pay $35 (up from $30) to check in one bag, and $45 (up from $40) for a second. While the rise is significant, it is claimed by American Airlines that charges on enormous and heavy bags have been reduced, stating in a press release that this is their "lowest fee ever."

"Due to inflation, fuel costs and increased operating costs, the new fees for first and second checked bags on all American Airlines routes within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will be $35 for first checked bags purchased online, $40 for first checked bags purchased at the airport and $45 for second checked bags purchased online or at the airport. These new fees apply to all bookings made on or after February 20," the airline said in a statement to Newsweek.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways, a low-cost airline headquartered in New York City, has recently doubled checked baggage costs for customers who check in their luggage less than 24 hours before the trip. According to the company's website, customers flying within the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean will be charged $45 for one bag and $60 for a second bag if they check in within 24 hours before departure.

Before the adjustments, which were initially disclosed by The Points Guy, JetBlue charged $35 for the first bag and $60 for the second bag for consumers who checked in less than 24 hours before departure. Explaining the increase in checked baggage prices, it was stated by JetBlue: "The cost of doing business has gone up significantly due to increased wages, higher fuel costs, and other inflationary pressure, and we remain unprofitable since COVID."

Alaska Airlines

On January 2, Alaska Airlines increased their checked baggage fees, raising the price of a checked bag from $30 to $35 for the first bag and from $40 to $45 for the second bag.

Surge in airline baggage fees - Here's Why

Luggage fees represent a significant revenue source for airlines. According to the Transportation Department's most recent data, over $5.4 billion in baggage fees were collected by US airlines in the first nine months of 2023, marking an increase of over 25 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

Increased labour and fuel costs, which constitute their largest expenses, have been cited by airlines as the reason for raising baggage prices. In a statement regarding the recent hike, JetBlue mentioned, "While we don't like increasing fees, it's one step we are taking to get our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags. By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favourites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone."

Senator Richard Blumenthal, who leads the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, announced in November that investigations were being conducted into airline costs for baggage, seat selection, and ticket modifications. In September 2022, it was suggested by the United States Transportation Department that airlines should publish surcharges for luggage and ticket modifications.