Two major U.S. airlines announced new fee increases.
Delta Air Lines will charge many passengers more to check bags starting April 7, with a first checked bag starting at $45.
For its part, Southwest Airlines announced that it would also hike checked bag fees, meaning four major U.S. carriers in two weeks have announced higher bag fees as the war in Iran causes jet fuel prices to spike.
Delta’s changes will apply only to tickets purchased on or after April 8 on domestic and select short-haul international routes, like flights to Canada and the Caribbean or parts of Latin America. Checked bag prices on long-haul international routes will not change.
“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,” a Delta spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement.
For Southwest, the changes apply to reservations made or changed voluntarily after April 9. The carrier, which only began implementing checked bag fees in May 2025, will now also charge $45 instead of $35 for the first checked bag, with a second checked bag costing $55.
“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,” a Southwest Airlines statement said. Customers who previously qualified for a free checked bag on Southwest through their credit card, frequent flyer status or ticket class, will continue to receive the perk.
What Are the New Delta Bag Fees?
According to Delta, these are the new fees on applicable flights:
- $45 for a first checked bag (an increase of $10 from the previous fee)
- $55 for a second bag (an increase of $10 from the previous fee)
- $200 for a third bag (an increase of $50 from the previous fee)
Premium cabin customers, elite frequent flyers and co-branded credit card holders will maintain their free checked bag benefits.
There are no changes to bag fees on long-haul international flights, which typically allow a free first checked bag for all passengers except those with basic economy tickets.
Delta’s announcement comes after United Airlines and JetBlue made similar changes earlier this spring. United will charge $50 for a first checked bag, or $45 for passengers who prepay. JetBlue will charge $39 for a first checked bags during off-peak travel times, or $49 during peak times like much of the summer or around major holidays.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York, and you can reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest, Delta both hiked bag fees. How much you’ll pay.
Reporting by Zach Wichter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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