Checking a bag when flying is getting more expensive.
American Airlines has announced it is raising fees its baggage fee to $40 if you check a bag at the airport for a domestic flight. If you pay in advance online it will be $35. A second bag will set you back $45. This comes after Alaska Airlines raised its baggage fee by $5 earlier this year, making it $35 for the first one. JetBlue started charging $45 to check a bag at the airport earlier this month.
The airlines are blaming rising fuel and labor costs for the increases but the baggage fees can be a big money maker. According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. airlines brought in $7 billion in 2022 from checked-bag fees. That is 17% more than what they made in 2019. According to the journal, the rising fees can also help steer travelers to airline loyalty programs and premium tickets - both can offer discounts or free bags.
Checked bag fees originated with discount airlines around 15 years ago and they still have some of the highest fees in the industry. According to CBS News, they have some of the highest baggage fees of the U.S.-based airlines. Fees for your first carry-on and checked bags can hit $59 a piece. Spirit also charges for carry-ons - around $49 on most domestic flights with standard tickets.