Delta Air Lines Hikes Checked Bag Fees by $10

Image: Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 in flight. (Photo Credit: franz massard/Adobe)
Image: Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 in flight. (Photo Credit: franz massard/Adobe)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Tue April 7, 2026

Delta Air Lines is the latest U.S. carrier to increase checked bag fees as operating costs climb due to rising fuel prices amid the war in Iran.

The fee increase, which follows similar hikes announced by both JetBlue and United Airlines, will apply to passengers purchasing domestic and short-haul international to tickets on or after Wednesday, April 8.

Travelers flying within the U.S. or to destinations like Canada and countries in the Caribbean and Latin America can expect to pay $45 for their first checked bag, up from $35, while a second checked bag will cost $55, up from $45.

Meanwhile, a third checked bag will cost $200, up from the previous $150.

Checked bag fees on long-haul international routes will not change and free checked bag benefits will continue for Delta's premium cabin passengers, elite frequent flyers and co-branded credit card holders.

"These updates are part of Delta's ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics," a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to USA Today.

Experts warn that the increased ancillary fees are likely here to stay even after costs stabilize.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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