Delta raises checked baggage fees as the Iran war drives up jet fuel prices

Key Points:

• Delta Air Lines is increasing checked baggage fees by $10 for the first and second bags and $50 for the third on most domestic and short-haul international flights, effective Wednesday, due to rising jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict.
• The new fees will be $45 for the first bag, $55 for the second, and $200 for the third, marking Delta's first domestic baggage fee increase in two years; long-haul international baggage fees remain unchanged.
• CEO Ed Bastian noted that jet fuel price hikes have added approximately $400 million to Delta's operating expenses since late February, with similar impacts reported by United and American Airlines.
• Despite the fee increases, Delta will continue to offer complimentary checked bags to premium cabin passengers, active-duty military, certain credit card holders, and loyalty program members.
• This move aligns with similar recent fee hikes by United and JetBlue, as U.S. airlines use ancillary fees to manage soaring fuel costs amid volatile oil markets caused by geopolitical tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.