Update: Not surprisingly, Delta has joined in and raised their checked baggage fees as well.

A few weeks ago we that Alaska Airlines were increasing their checked bag fee from $30-$35. Last week we saw American Airlines raise their checked baggage fee as well from $30-$40 (or $35 if you pay online). Soon after, JetBlue quietly followed suit. Then a few days ago on United joined the game and raised their prices as well. For context, the last time we saw any airlines raise their checked bag fees was in 2018, so it has been almost 6 years. I wouldn’t be surprised if if Delta follows suit any day now. But should it matter to you?

Should it Matter?

For the average consumer, yes it will matter. But, if you’re reading this then you should know there are easy ways to avoid this fee. There are three different ways to avoid paying checked bag fees. With these new changes it will cost between $70 and $80 for your first bag on a round trip itinerary or between $160 and $170 for two bags.

Buy a first class ticket. First class tickets get 2 checked bags for free. Depending on the fare difference, it could make sense to just buy a first class ticket to get free bags.
Have Elite Status. Depending on the status you have with the airline, you can get between 1 and 3 free checked bags.
Have a co-branded airline credit card! This is the best and cheapest option. Normally I don’t recommend putting any spending on a co-branded airline credit card.

Having the Right Co-Branded Credit Card

With annual fees starting at $95, co-branded credit cards are your best bet to get free bags. Depending on the card you have, your free baggage allowance also applies to up to 6 companions traveling on your same reservation. With JetBlue, Alaska and United you do have to pay for your flight with the co-branded card. With the American and Delta cards, you just have to be a cardmember to get the benefit which means you can pay for your flight with the American Express Platinum and get 5x points for your purchase.

Picking up one of the airline’s co-branded cards not only gets you free checked bags but also priority boarding as well as huge sign up bonuses. While I typically don’t recommend putting any actual spending on most airline cards, there can be a lot of value to keep them long term as the benefits outweigh the annual fee in most instances.

Delta’s New Checked Bag Fees

Following the lead of the other airlines, Delta has also raised their checked baggage fees from $30 to $35 for your first checked bag and from $40 to $45 for your second checked bag.

You can avoid these new checked bag fees a few ways.

Have elite status with Delta where you get between 1 and 3 free checked bags
Have one of their co-branded credit cards

American’s New Checked Bag Fees

Starting on February 20th, 2024, American Airlines has increased their checked bag fees between $5 and $10.

$40 for your first bag compared to $30 before. If you pay that fee online, you only have to pay $35.
$45 for your second checked bag compared to $40 before.

*American’s New Checked Bag Fee Schedule*

And for comparison, here is their old fee schedule below

*American’s Old Checked Bag Fee Schedule*
You can avoid these fees if you have status with American, book a first class ticket or have one of their co-branded cards.
Select American Airlines credit card holders, (Citi AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum, or the Barclays Aviator card) get their first checked bag free.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members get their first 3 checked bags free
AAdvantage Platinum members get their first 2 checked bags free
AAdvantage Gold members get their first checked bag free
Alaska’s Increased Baggage Fees
As of 1/2/24 Alaska Airlines increased their checked bag fees by $5-$15.
$30 for your first checked bag
$40 for your second checked bag.
You can avoid paying checked bag fees by having status with Alaska, booking a first class ticket, or having one of their co-branded credit cards.
Alaska Airlines personal or business credit card holders get one free checked bag for yourself as well as up to 6 companions traveling on the same ticket.
MVP Gold 100K or MVP Gold 75K status holders get 3 free checked bags.
MVP Gold and MVP status holders get 2 free checked bags.

United’s Increased Baggage Fees

As of 2/24/24 United also increased their checked baggage fee by $5 for domestic itineraries.

$35 for your first checked bag if paid in advance, or $40 if paid at the airport.
$45 for your second checked bag if paid in advance, or $50 if paid at the airport.

Just like with the other airlines, you can avoid these baggage fees if you have status, book a first class ticket, or have one of their co-branded cards.

Select United credit card holders get their first checked bag free.
Mileage Plus Premier 1K and Premier Platinum members get 3 free checked bags.
Mileage Plus Premier Gold members get 2 free checked bags.
Mileage Plus Premier Silver members get 1 free checked bags.

*United’s Checked Bag Fee Increased by $5*

JetBlue Quietly Raised Checked Baggage Fees

As of February 1st, JetBlue quietly updated their website and increased their checked baggage fees. The frustrating thing about this is JetBlue just changed the new rates on their website without any notice.

$35 for your first checked bag or $45 if added within 24 hours of departure.
$50 for your second checked bag or $60 if added within 24 hours of departure.

There are a few ways to avoid the checked baggage fee including buying the right fare, having Mosaic status, or holding 2 of their 3 credit cards.

JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card holders both get their first checked bag free. The no annual fee JetBlue Card does not come with a free checked bag.
If you buy a Blue Plus your first bag is free. If you buy a Mint fare you will get your first 2 bags free.
Those with Mosaic status get their first 2 checked bags free

JetBlue’s Baggage Fees more than 24 hours from departure

JetBlue’s Baggage Fees less than 24 hours from departure

Wrapping Up

Four out of the five big US airlines have all raised their checked baggage fees recently. It wouldn’t be surprising if Delta soon follows suit. But with the right credit card or if you have status with the airline, it shouldn’t matter much to you. The benefits of having a co-branded airline credit card can easily make up for the annual fee.

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US Airlines Raise Checked Baggage Fees