Delta Air Lines Raises Checked Bag Fee

Delta Air Lines quietly bumped its checked baggage fees this week, joining other major carriers who have done the same this year.

“Beginning March 5, Delta will increase fees for first and second checked bags by $5 for most U.S.-originating domestic and short-haul international routes,” Delta said in a statement to TMR on Tuesday.

The first checked bag for most passengers will now be $35, up from $30 and the second will be $45, up from $40. The increase is for new tickets—anyone previously booked will pay the old prices even if their flights are scheduled for after March 5.

In its statement, Delta said that the increase will help it deal with rising industry costs.

“This increase, the first for U.S. domestic markets in six years (since 2018), will help Delta stay apace with rising industry costs,” it said.

The airline added that Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and those flying in first class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One will continue to get their checked bags for free. Same with those with eligible co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards.

There are also no increases or changes for checked baggage prices for flights between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The increase is nothing new for the industry—Delta is actually one of the last major U.S. carriers to raise its baggage fee this year. United Airlines was the latest, doing so in late February, moving to $40 for the first and either $45 or $50 for the second depending on when a traveler pays for it.

Three other major carriers did the same earlier in the year.

Alaska raised its fee to $35 for economy passengers starting on Jan. 1, while JetBlue increased its fee to $45 for most standard passengers who don’t pay in advance and $35 if prepaid. Similarly, American Airlines raised its fee to $35 for prepaid baggage and $40 for airport purchases.