Major US airlines raise checked-bag fees
Change
Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue increased checked-bag charges — most carriers raised first- and second-bag fees by $10 (JetBlue's first-bag fee rose by up to $9) and Delta and United added $50 fees for third bags, with Southwest's change effective for tickets ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026.
Why it matters
Passengers who plan to check luggage now face higher out-of-pocket charges that will increase total trip costs for itineraries requiring checked bags. Corporate travel and booking teams must treat ancillary baggage fees as mandatory cost line items when approving or pricing travel to avoid underestimating expenses.
Implications
- • Corporate travel managers must update reimbursement and per-diem policies to include the higher checked-bag fees or employees will incur unreimbursed expenses.
- • Business travel procurement teams must revise trip cost estimates and pre-trip approvals to reflect the new baggage charges or risk exceeding approved budgets.
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