Quick summary
American Airlines raised checked bag fees by $10 each for the first and second bags on domestic and short-haul international flights booked on or after April 9, 2026, bringing airport fees to $50 and $60 respectively (prepaying online saves $5 per bag). Alaska Airlines increased its first bag fee by $5 to $45 and second bag by $10 to $55 for North American flights booked from April 10 onward, with third bags now costing $200 at both carriers — a $50 jump from previous pricing.
Basic Economy passengers on American face an additional $5 surcharge starting May 18, pushing their first bag to $55 and second to $65 when paid at the airport. The increases follow similar moves by Delta, United, and JetBlue earlier this week as jet fuel prices hit $209 per barrel — up from $85–90 in February before Middle East shipping disruptions began.
How the fee structure changed across carriers
American Airlines implemented the steepest single-day increase among major carriers, raising both first and second checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased following recent announcements this week. Passengers paying at the airport now face $50 for the first bag and $60 for the second, though prepaying online reduces these to $45 and $55 respectively.
The carrier’s Basic Economy tier takes a harder hit. From May 18, these passengers will pay an extra $5 on top of standard fees — $55 for the first bag and $65 for the second when paid at the airport — and will lose access to complimentary seat selection and system-wide upgrades. Premium cabin passengers retain free baggage on all flights.
Alaska Airlines and its unit Hawaiian Airlines raised fees more modestly but eliminated prepayment discounts entirely. First bags now cost $45 (up $5), second bags $55 (up $10), and third bags $200 (up $50) for all North American flights booked from April 10 onward. The carrier’s Huakaʻi and Club 49 loyalty programs continue offering free checked bags for intra-state travel within Hawaii and Alaska.
The moves complete a week-long industry realignment. Delta Air Lines raised fees April 8, United Airlines on April 3, and JetBlue Airways implemented variable increases of $9–10 across its network. Industry sources indicate the coordinated timing reflects shared exposure to fuel cost spikes rather than explicit coordination.
| Carrier | First bag | Second bag | Third bag | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American (standard) | $50 airport / $45 prepay | $60 airport / $55 prepay | $200 | April 9 |
| American (Basic Economy) | $55 airport / $50 prepay | $65 airport / $60 prepay | $200 | May 18 |
| Alaska / Hawaiian | $45 | $55 | $200 | April 10 |
| Delta | $45 prepay | $55 prepay | $200 | April 8 |
| United | $45 prepay | $50 prepay | $200 | April 3 |
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Why fuel costs triggered industry-wide increases
Jet fuel prices surged 145% in eight weeks following disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil flows. The International Air Transport Association reports jet fuel averaging $209 per barrel globally — up from $85–90 in February before escalating Middle East tensions began affecting tanker routes.
At current prices, fuel represents 35–40% of airlines’ cost per available seat mile, the highest proportion since 2022 when post-COVID inflation and Ukraine war disruptions pushed prices to $2.50 per gallon. That year, American raised domestic bag fees from $30/$40 to $35/$45 in June, with Delta and United following within weeks. Fees held steady until this 2026 cycle despite subsequent volatility.
U.S. Department of Transportation rules require airlines to disclose baggage fees clearly at booking, but they do not limit the fees airlines can set. There is no compensation for fee increases on future bookings. Passengers can verify current fee structures at carrier websites or the DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report.
What to do if you have upcoming flights
Tickets purchased before April 9 for American or April 10 for Alaska are subject to the new fees — the purchase date of the ticket determines the fee structure, not the travel date.
- Prepay bags online at aa.com/manage-bags or alaskaair.com/bags to save $5 per bag on American (standard fares only — Basic Economy prepay discount ends May 18). Alaska offers no prepay discount.
- Verify elite status at aa.com/loyalty or alaskaair.com/mileageplan before your next trip. AAdvantage Gold and above, plus Alaska MVP and above, receive free checked bags regardless of fare class.
- Consider airline credit cards offering free checked bags as a primary cardholder benefit. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature both waive first bag fees for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation.
- Pack strategically for trips under seven days. A carry-on and personal item avoid fees entirely — American and Alaska allow one free carry-on (22×14×9 inches) plus one personal item on all fare classes except Basic Economy, which restricts carry-ons.
Watch: Southwest Airlines remains the only major US carrier without checked bag fees. If the airline announces fee changes by late April, it will signal complete industry alignment and likely trigger further ancillary revenue optimization across all carriers.
Questions? Answers.
Do the new fees apply to tickets I already purchased for future travel?
Yes. The fee structure in effect when you purchased your ticket determines what you pay, regardless of travel date. Tickets bought on or after April 9 (American) or April 10 (Alaska) are subject to the new fees even if your flight is months away.
Can I avoid the Basic Economy surcharge on American if I prepay bags?
Partially. Prepaying online saves $5 per bag compared to airport payment, but the $5 Basic Economy surcharge still applies starting May 18. A first bag will cost $50 prepaid versus $55 at the airport for Basic Economy passengers.
Will airlines reduce fees if fuel prices drop?
Historically, no. When fuel prices fell in 2023 after the Ukraine war spike, carriers maintained the 2022 fee increases. Airlines treat baggage fees as permanent ancillary revenue rather than temporary fuel cost pass-throughs, and no carrier has committed to fee reductions tied to fuel price declines.
Do Alaska’s loyalty programs still offer free bags after the increase?
Yes, but only for specific routes. Huakaʻi and Club 49 members continue receiving free checked bags for intra-state travel within Hawaii and Alaska respectively. The fee increases apply to all other North American routes, including flights between the mainland US and Hawaii or Alaska.
