If you’re flying to the United States soon, then you will have to shell out some extra bucks. As per the latest reports, several US airlines have increased their fees for checked baggage, beginning from February 24. This fee hike is applicable on both first and second bags and you can pay for them in advance or at the airport. So, if you’re wondering how much you’ll have to pay now, keep scrolling for all the details!
US Airlines Increase Checked Baggage Fees From February 24
Several US airlines like Alaska, American, United Airlines, and JetBlue will now hike their checked baggage fees. The airlines announced this price hike for both first and second bags, effective from February 24. Whether you pay in advance or at the airport, you will have to pay the surge prices from now on.
Grappling with escalated costs, this move to boost prices is a helpful move for the airlines. According to statistics, baggage fees make for a significant revenue for the aviation sector. US carriers made around $6.8 billion in baggage revenue in 2022 and around $5.5 billion in just nine months of 2023.
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What Caused The Fee Hike & How Much Will It Cost You?
One of the biggest reasons for this hike is rising fuel and labour expenses. As of now, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines have announced hiked checked baggage fees. For now, this hike is for passengers travelling in North America.
For passengers travelling with United Airlines, they will have to pay $40 for the first and $50 for the second bag check at the airport. If paid in advance, they’ll have to pay $35 and $45, respectively for the first and second bags.
American Airlines, they have revised their baggage fees for domestic flights to be $40 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag. They also raised checked baggage prices on several international flights. These are mainly in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guyana. Passengers will now have to pay $35 and $45 for first and second bags, respectively.
JetBlue Airways has doubled their checked luggage fees to $45 for one bag and $60 for a second bag. Alaska Airlines, too, hiked their checked baggage costs from $30 to $35 for one bag and $40 to $45 for the second bag.
Looks like your American trip just got a bit more expensive. What are your thoughts on this fee surge? Let us know in the comments!
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