Airline Baggage Fees. American and Delta Raise Prices in the same week to match JetBlue and United Airline’s checked on luggage prices.
As soon as JetBlue quietly announced the increase for their baggage fees, it was only a matter of time before the other airlines followed. And it didn’t take long. JetBlue kicked off the pricey fees August 27th. Hours later Canadian airlines WestJet and Air Canada followed.
A few days later United announced the hike in their checked on baggage fees. Now American Airlines and Delta have also increased theirs in the same week.
Photo courtesy of Delta
For all four carriers-JetBlue, American, United and Delta, fees for a checked bag have increased. Price are now $30 for a first checked bag, and $40 for a second checked bag. It’s $5.00 more to check on bag.
American Airlines site states, “This is the first time American has changed its domestic checked bag fees since 2010 and follows similar changes made by other airlines.”
As for United and their airline baggage fees, a spokesperson for the Chicago-based company told Bloomberg via email the following statement. “As we continue to make investments that make travel on United better, we are making adjustments to our checked bag fees in select markets — most of which have not been changed for the past eight years.”
Airline baggage fees have spiked partly due to rising jet fuel prices that cut into the company’s profit margins. So now the customer will pay for this and will take a major hit in the wallet.
However, let’s be clear. The airlines are making big profits, according to this Bureau of Transportation report.
There is a way around paying for the overpriced airline baggage fees. Fly SouthWest Airlines. They still allow passengers two free checked on pieces of luggage and do not plan on charging customers for this service anytime soon.