Delta Air Lines will raise checked bag fees for domestic and short-haul international flights, the airline said on Tuesday. The move mirrors rival carriers JetBlue and United Airlines, both of which raised bag fees last week. These changes come as airlines face high jet fuel costs as conflict in the Middle East continues.
Passengers on Delta can expect to pay $45 for a first checked bag, $55 for a second, and $200 for a third. Like other airlines in the U.S., passengers with elite status and select co-branded credit cards will continue to receive checked baggage benefits.
Fuel is the second-largest cost for airlines behind labor. Data from Argus, published by the industry group Airlines for America, show that jet fuel prices for Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York have more than doubled since the beginning of this year.
The Middle East conflict has also forced U.S. carriers to adjust schedules. Delta and United have canceled its Tel Aviv flights thourgh early September, and United reduced capacity by 5% in late March on routes that are unprofitable at current jet fuel prices. Delta and American Airlines have yet to announce similar capacity cuts.
Travel demand in the U.S. has remained strong, however, with most airlines reporting their highest booking weeks in the first quarter, helping offset rising fuel costs. Questions remain as to how long the elevated consumer demand will persist as conflict in Iran continues.
Delta Air Lines will report its first-quarter results on Wednesday.
