Evolution of Airline Baggage Fees from 2024 Onwards
Revamped Rundown of Checked Bag Fees:
Yo, here's the lowdown on checked bag fees hiked up by major U.S. airlines starting 2024. They're looking to balance out soaring costs and boost revenue, and these changes might just shift your best flight pick and require a deeper dive into research. Buckle up!
Alaska Airlines
On January 2, 2025, Alaska Airlines bumped up the price for the first and second checked bag to $35 and $45, respectively. No matter if you pay online or at the airport, it's the same rate.
Before this, you had to shell out $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second one.
American Airlines
In November 2024, American Airlines boosted their first checked bag fee by $5 for domestic basic economy and main cabin flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Paying online now sets you back $35 and a whopping $40 if you're doing it at the airport. Second bags now cost a flat $45 for most routes in either bottom-tier ticket class.
Delta Air Lines
Delta increased its first and second checked bag fees in March 2024 by $5. You now pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag on domestic flights. These fees apply to the Delta Main Basic, Delta Main, and Delta Comfort fare classes.
JetBlue
In April 2024, JetBlue jumped on the multi-tiered pricing bandwagon. The fee depends on whether it's peak or non-peak season, and how close to check-in you pay your fee. Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Plus pay the following fees:
More Than 24 Hours Before Departure (Off-Peak):
- 1st Bag: $35
- 2nd Bag: $50
Within 24 Hours of Departure (Off-Peak):
- 1st Bag: $45
- 2nd Bag: $60
More Than 24 Hours Before Departure (Peak):
- 1st Bag: $40
- 2nd Bag: $60
Within 24 Hours of Departure (Peak):
- 1st Bag: $50
- 2nd Bag: $70
Prices include a $10 savings per bag when you pay your domestic itinerary fees at least 24 hours before departure. The savings discount is $5 per bag for transatlantic flights.
United Airlines
United Airlines increased its checked bag fee by $5 in most markets for departures on or after February 24, 2024. Prepaying for your suitcases at least 24 hours before takeoff saves a few bucks.
Domestic flights have the following baggage charges:
- 1st bag: $40 (standard) or $35 (prepaid)
- 2nd bag: $50 (standard) or $45 (prepaid)
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines scrapped its two-bag-fly-for-free policy, shocking many flyers. Since May 28, 2025, most fares incur the following fees:
- 1st bag: $35
- 2nd bag: $45
One personal item and a carry-on bag are still complimentary with all fare classes.
How to Dodge Checked Baggage Fees
The wiggle room on baggage fees varies by airline, although some general tricks include:
- Splurge on a premium cabin fare (i.e., business or first class)
- Qualify for airline elite status
- Bust out the plastic with a co-branded credit card (that demands an annual fee)
- Be an active military member
- Steer clear of basic economy on international flights
Remember, due to tight European Union carry-on standards, U.S.-based airlines may likely be tightening the maximum allowable carry-on dimensions for select destinations.
Fun Fact: These fee increases are the first major changes since 2018 when the legacy airlines last increased their baggage fees. Keep an eye on the latest fee schedules and luggage policies to steer clear of surprises at airport check-in. Most airlines provide a baggage fee calculator to estimate your costs for domestic and international flights before booking a flight.
Insider Info: Rising operational costs such as fuel and wages pushed airlines to increase checked bag fees. In 2024, Southwest Airlines broke the mold by introducing their first-ever checked bag fee, hoping to generate $1.5 billion annually to improve financial performance[1][4]. Overall, these fee increases have contributed to record revenue from checked baggage fees for U.S. airlines, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting new records for this revenue stream[1][3].
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- The revamped travel landscape in 2024 includes significant increases in checked bag fees by major U.S. airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, as part of their efforts to balance soaring costs and boost revenue, potentially altering your travel choices and necessitating thorough research before booking.
- Incorporating a lifestyle element, these increased checked bag fees in the travel industry may necessitate travelers to reconsider their baggage packing strategies and budgeting, aiming to avoid unexpected expenses at the airport, particularly with the introduction of Southwest Airlines' first-ever checked bag fee starting from May 28, 2025.
