Flights

These U.S. airlines have increased checked bag fees in 2024

JetBlue, Logan Airport's largest carrier, increased fees on Feb. 1.

By Kristi Palma

March 1, 2024

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Travelers taking to the skies this year are paying more for their luggage after several U.S. airlines increased baggage fees since January.

Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and United Airlines have all upped their baggage fees this year, citing rising operating costs for the hike.

“While we don’t like increasing fees, it’s one step we are taking to return our company back to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags,” JetBlue wrote in a statement.

JetBlue posted a $104 million net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023, writing, “2024 is an important year of change for JetBlue and we are taking aggressive action, including launching $300 million of revenue initiatives, to return to profitability and deliver value for our shareholders.”

Ancillary fees add up for airlines. Last year, airlines earned $5.5 billion in baggage fees during the first three quarters of 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Alaska Airlines was the first to increase fees on Jan. 2, bumping the cost of a first checked bag to $35 and a second checked bag to $45, which is a $5 increase.

“As we navigate rising operating costs — including high fuel prices — we occasionally need to adjust our fee structure to maintain a high level of excellence in the service we provide,” the airline wrote in a statement.

Industry experts speculated about whether other airlines would follow suit. They soon had their answer.

JetBlue, Logan International Airport’s largest carrier, then quietly raised baggage fees on Feb. 1.

Now JetBlue travelers checking bags within 24 hours of departure pay $45 for the first checked bag and another $60 for the second checked bag, a $10 increase. Travelers who check bags at least 24 hours from departure pay $35 for the first checked bag and another $50 for the second checked bag.

Next up was American Airlines, which announced its fee increase on Feb. 20. The airline is now charging $40 for first bags checked in at the airport, $5 more than first bags checked in online. The second checked bag is $45 whether checked in online or at the airport.

Finally, on Feb. 24, United Airlines announced it was raising baggage fees by $5. It now costs $40, or $35 for those who prepay at least 24 hours before departure, for the first checked bag and $50, or $45 for those who prepay, for the second.

Southwest is the only major U.S. carrier that does not charge passengers for first or second checked bags.