Flying Delta? Your Next Trip Just Got More Expensive

Delta is raising checked‑bag fees as jet fuel prices surge nearly 88 percent following the conflict in the Middle East.

BY LEILA SHERIDAN, NEWS WRITER

Passengers check in for a flight with Delta Airlines at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. Photo: Getty Images

Delta announced today that it is raising the cost of checked bags, another sign airlines are passing along the rising cost of global conflict to travelers.

The carrier said Tuesday it will increase fees for checked luggage on domestic and select short-haul international routes, joining competitors in hiking ancillary charges as global fuel prices surge, The Wall Street Journal reported.

How Much Will a Bag Cost?

The price of a first checked bag will rise to $45, while a second will cost $55, both up $10. A third checked bag will jump by $50 to $200, according to CNBC. The new pricing takes effect Wednesday.

Still, some customers might not face price hikes. Delta said perks tied to frequent-flyer status, premium fares, and co-branded credit cards will remain unchanged. Fees on long-haul international routes will also stay the same, according to the Journal.

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“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 company spokesperson said, according to the Journal.

Those “global conditions” are becoming increasingly expensive. Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, jet fuel prices have surged, with fuel in major U.S. cities reaching $4.69 per gallon this week, up nearly 88 percent, according to Airlines for America, citing Argus data. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, has further tightened supply, CNBC reported.

Fuel is airlines’ second-largest expense after labor, and the spike is already reshaping pricing across the industry.

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