Baggage Fee Hikes: Which Airlines Are Charging More in 2024?

Travelers planning trips in 2024 are facing a new reality at the check-in counter. Major U.S. carriers have initiated a wave of baggage fee increases, ending a period of relative stability in ancillary costs. If you have not flown since January, you might find that checking a suitcase now costs up to 33% more than it did last year.

The 2024 Wave of Increases

For years, the industry standard for a first checked bag on domestic flights was $30. That baseline has officially shifted. Since January 2024, five major U.S. airlines have raised their prices. The trend began with Alaska Airlines, but the most significant disruptive changes came from American Airlines and United Airlines, both of which introduced a pricing tier that penalizes passengers for not paying in advance.

Fuel costs and new labor contracts are the primary drivers cited by airline executives for these hikes. However, for the average family of four, these changes can add $80 to $100 to a round-trip vacation if not budgeted carefully.

American Airlines: The Aggressive First Mover

American Airlines initiated the steepest hikes in late February 2024. They drastically changed their fee structure by creating a price gap between paying online and paying at the airport.

First Checked Bag: $35 if paid online in advance; $40 if paid at the airport.
Second Checked Bag: $45 (regardless of when you pay).

Previously, American charged $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. This represents a 33% increase if you wait to pay until you reach the check-in desk. This pricing applies to domestic flights within the U.S. and to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

United Airlines: Following Suit

Shortly after American’s announcement, United Airlines adjusted their fees on February 24, 2024. Their new structure mirrors American’s strategy of incentivizing prepayments.

First Checked Bag: $35 if prepaid (at least 24 hours before flight); $40 at the airport.
Second Checked Bag: $45 if prepaid; $50 at the airport.

United’s increase is particularly notable for the second bag fee, which now hits the $50 mark for airport payers. If you are flying Economy to Canada or short-haul international routes, these fees generally apply as well.

Delta Air Lines: The March Increase

Delta Air Lines held out slightly longer than its legacy competitors but eventually raised prices on March 5, 2024. Unlike American and United, Delta did not initially introduce a penalty for paying at the airport versus online for standard domestic main cabin tickets, though prepaying is always recommended for smoother processing.

First Checked Bag: Increased from $30 to $35.
Second Checked Bag: Increased from $40 to $45.

This $5 increase across the board brings Delta in line with the new industry floor established by its competitors.

JetBlue Airways: Dynamic and Peak Pricing

JetBlue utilizes a more complex model involving “peak” and “off-peak” pricing. If you are traveling during high-demand periods (such as President’s Day, Easter, or summer break), you pay significantly more.

As of early 2024, JetBlue’s baggage fees for Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Extra fares are:

First Bag (Off-Peak): $35 (if added 24+ hours before); $45 (within 24 hours).
First Bag (Peak): $40 (if added 24+ hours before); $50 (within 24 hours).
Second Bag (Off-Peak): $50 (advance); $60 (within 24 hours).
Second Bag (Peak): $60 (advance); $70 (within 24 hours).

The potential to pay $50 for a single first bag or $70 for a second bag makes JetBlue one of the most expensive options for heavy packers during holidays.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines was actually the first to raise prices this year, effective for tickets purchased on or after January 2, 2024.

First Checked Bag: $35 (previously $30).
Second Checked Bag: $45 (previously $40).

Who Has Not Raised Fees?

The landscape isn’t entirely bleak. Southwest Airlines remains the notable outlier in the U.S. market. Their “Bags Fly Free” policy allows every ticketed passenger to check two bags for free (up to 50 pounds each). This policy continues to be a major differentiator for the airline and can save a couple nearly $160 on a round-trip flight compared to flying United or American.

Proven Ways to Avoid the New Fees

With prices rising, savvy travelers are turning to specific credit cards and loyalty status to bypass these costs.

Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards

The most direct way to waive these fees is by holding the airline’s credit card. The annual fee for these cards usually pays for itself after just two or three flights.

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard: This card waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation. With the fee now at $40, a single family trip covers the $99 annual fee (waived for the first year).
United Explorer Card: This card offers a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion. You must use the card to purchase the ticket to trigger this benefit.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: Cardholders get the first checked bag free for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation.

Elite Status

If you fly enough to earn status, baggage fees vanish.

American AAdvantage Gold: 1 free checked bag.
United Premier Silver: 1 free checked bag (70 lbs).
Delta Medallion Silver: 1 free checked bag.

Military Benefits

Active duty military personnel generally face zero baggage fees.

American & United: Active duty military can usually check up to five bags for free (up to 100 lbs) when traveling on orders, and three bags for personal travel.
Delta: Offers similar generous allowances for active military members.

Strategic Packing for 2024

If you do not have a credit card or status, the best defense is packing light. Carry-on bags remain free on Delta, American, and Alaska. However, be aware that “Basic Economy” tickets on United and JetBlue often do not include a free full-sized carry-on bag. On those specific low-tier fares, you are restricted to a personal item (like a backpack) that fits under the seat. Attempting to bring a roll-aboard suitcase on a United Basic Economy ticket will result in a gate-handling fee plus the applicable checked bag fee, often totaling over $65.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Southwest Airlines raise their baggage fees in 2024? No. Southwest continues to allow two free checked bags per passenger. This policy applies to all fare classes, including their cheapest “Wanna Get Away” fares.

Is it cheaper to pay for bags online or at the airport? For American Airlines and United Airlines, it is cheaper to pay online. You save $5 per bag by paying at least 24 hours before your flight. For Delta and Alaska, the price is currently the same, but paying online saves time at the kiosk.

Do baggage fee increases apply to tickets bought before the announcement? Generally, baggage fees are based on the policy in effect on the day you ticketed (bought) your flight, not the day you fly. If you bought a ticket in December 2023 for a trip in May 2024, you should theoretically be grandfathered into the old pricing. However, computer systems sometimes default to current prices, so you may need to speak to an agent or show your original receipt.

How much does a heavy bag cost now? Overweight fees are separate from standard bag fees and are very steep. Most airlines charge an extra $100 to $200 for bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds. American Airlines recently adjusted this slightly, lowering the fee for bags barely over the limit (50-53 lbs) to $30, but heavy bags generally remain a costly mistake.

Does having an airline credit card waive fees for international flights? Usually, yes, but only for the first bag. Most international long-haul flights still include one free bag in the ticket price. However, for “Basic Economy” international tickets to Europe, a checked bag is often not included. In this case, the credit card benefit will usually waive the fee for that first bag.