Evolution of Airline Baggage Charges from 2024 Onward
Let's Talk Airline Fees: What's Changed in 2025
Got a heavy suitcase? Better prepare your wallet! Major airlines in the U.S. have raised the stakes when it comes to checked bag fees, garnering an additional $5 per checked bag since the beginning of 2025.
Alaska Airlines
Packing light is out of the question at Alaska Airlines. In January 2025, the airline hiked up their first and second checked bag fees to a steep $35 and $45, respectively - no matter if you pay online or at the airport counter. Yikes!
Previously, the prices were slightly more lenient – you only had to pay $30 for your first bag and $40 for the second.
American Airlines
In November 2024, American Airlines joined the price surge, boosting their first checked bag fee to $35 for domestic flights in basic economy and main cabin tickets. At the airport booth, you'll be shelling out $40.
Regarding the second baggage, it's a flat $45 temptation for most routes in the lower fare classes.
Delta Air Lines
Delta too felt the heat, upping the stakes in March 2024 with a $5 increase to their baggage fees for domestic flights.
Now, you'll pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, regardless of your fare class - Main Basic, Main, or Comfort.
JetBlue
JetBlue took a different approach, implementing a multi-tiered pricing system in April 2024. Bag fees aren't just about the count anymore; the fee also depends on factors like paying at the last minute, peak season, or off-peak travel periods.
For Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Plus fares, the breakdown goes:
- More Than 24 Hours Before Departure (Off-Peak)
- 1st Bag: $35
- 2nd Bag: $50
- Within 24 Hours of Departure (Off-Peak)
- 1st Bag: $45
- 2nd Bag: $60
- More Than 24 Hours Before Departure (Peak)
- 1st Bag: $40
- 2nd Bag: $60
- Within 24 Hours of Departure (Peak)
- 1st Bag: $50
- 2nd Bag: $70
Good news! You can save $10 per bag when you pay for your domestic itinerary fees at least 24 hours before departure. The off-peak transatlantic savings are $5 per bag.
United Airlines
Watch out for surprise charges as United Airlines increased their checked bag fee by a $5 across most markets for flights departing February 24, 2024, or later. But if you hurry and pay at least 24 hours before takeoff, you can save a few bucks:
- 1st bag: $40 (standard) or $35 (prepaid)
- 2nd bag: $50 (standard) or $45 (prepaid)
Southwest Airlines
The shocker of the season hit us all in May 2025: Southwest Airlines abandoned their two-bag-fly-for-free policy!
Now, the costs are as follows:
- 1st bag: $35
- 2nd bag: $45
Luckily, one personal item and a carry-on bag are still free with all fare classes. You'll avoid the checked bag fees if you upgrade to Business Select® Fare or if you're a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Member. A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card customers can waive the first checked bag fee.
Skipping the Checked Baggage Fees
Wondering how to dodge the checked baggage fees? Here are some tips to keep your wallet a little bigger:
- Buy yourself a premium cabin fare (business or first class).
- Reach airline elite status.
- Obtain a co-branded credit card that charges an annual fee.
- Be an active military member.
- Opt for standard economy rather than basic economy on international flights.
Also, some airlines tighten their carry-on dimensions due to European Union standards, so keep an eye on the regulations when traveling to select destinations.
Wrapping Up
Since the last baggage fee increase in 2018, this is the first major shift. To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure to stay updated with the latest fee schedules and luggage policies. Most airlines provide a baggage fee calculator to assist in estimating costs for domestic and international flights before booking a flight.
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[1] Anthes, E. (2024, August 10). As Airlines Charge More for Bags, Travelers Take Notice. The New York Times. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/10/business/airlines-baggage-fees.html[2] Bump, J. (2025, January 5). American Airlines' New Bag Fees and How to Avoid Them. Consumer Reports. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.consumerreports.org/travel/american-airlines-new-checked-bag-fees-and-how-to-avoid-them/[3] Khemmis, D. (2025, April 15). Avoiding checked baggage fees with Southwest Airlines [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-WPyy-FDE[4] Maher, J. (2025, May 5). Southwest Airlines Will Soon Start Charging for Checked Luggage. USA Today. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/05/05/southwest-airlines-charges-checked-luggage-bags/36620688/[5] Philipps, S. (2025, May 4). New baggage fee for Southwest Airlines flies higher than other airlines. NBC News. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/new-baggage-fee-southwest-airlines-flies-higher-other-airlines-rcna40221[6] Rubin, C. (2025, July 7). New Baggage Fees from Major Airlines. The Points Guy. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.thepointsguy.com/news/new-baggage-fees-major-airlines/[7] Sibley, A. (2024, August 9). Call it what you will—rip-offs, nickel-and-diming, fee-fleecing—but there's no denying that the airlines have got us over a barrel. The Washington Post. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/08/09/airline-fees/[8] Walsh, B. (2025, March 16). Why Airlines Charge for Checked Bags, and Why It Matters for Flyers. The New York Times. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/16/travel/airline-checked-bags.html
Travel fees have significantly increased in the lifestyle sector, particularly in airline fees for checked baggage. The hike occurred in 2025, with major U.S. airlines incrementing their checked bag fees by an extra $5 per checked bag since the start of the year. There are several changes in travel fees, particularly in checked baggage costs at major airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
