9. Airline Baggage Fee Spikes: JetBlue and American Changes

Air travel just became significantly more expensive for travelers who cannot pack light. In early 2024, major U.S. carriers broke the long-standing industry standard of charging $30 for a checked bag. American Airlines and JetBlue led a wave of price increases that push fees as high as $40 or even $45 for a single piece of luggage. If you are planning a trip, understanding exactly how these new pricing models work is essential to avoid shock at the check-in counter.

The New Pricing Structure: What You Will Pay

For years, most domestic airlines charged a flat $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second. That uniformity is gone. Airlines are now using dynamic pricing, peak travel surcharges, and penalties for paying at the airport rather than online.

American Airlines Changes

American Airlines introduced its first bag fee increase since 2018, and the changes are aggressive. As of February 2024, the airline wants to change consumer behavior by charging more for in-person transactions.

• First Checked Bag: The fee is now $40 if you pay at the airport check-in counter. However, if you pay online in advance, the price is $35.
• Second Checked Bag: The price has jumped to $45, regardless of whether you pay online or in person.
• Oversize Bags: There is a silver lining here. American actually lowered the fee for slightly overweight bags. Bags weighing between 50 and 70 pounds now cost an extra $30 instead of the previous $100 fee.

JetBlue Changes

JetBlue has implemented a complex system that relies on “peak” and “off-peak” travel dates. This dynamic pricing model means your baggage fees change depending on when you fly.

• First Checked Bag: For Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Extra fares, the first bag costs $35 if booked in advance for off-peak dates. However, if you are flying during peak times (which covers most holidays and summer travel) and pay within 24 hours of departure, the fee spikes to $45.
• Second Checked Bag: This fee can go as high as $60 if paid at the airport during a peak travel window.
• Transatlantic Flights: Basic economy passengers flying to Europe now pay $65 for their first checked bag.

The Ripple Effect: United, Delta, and Alaska

American and JetBlue are not alone. Alaska Airlines was actually the first to raise its price, moving the standard fee from $30 to $35 in January 2024. Following the moves by American and JetBlue, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also adjusted their pricing.

• United Airlines: Charges $35 for the first bag if you prepay at least 24 hours in advance. If you wait until you are at the airport, the price is $40.
• Delta Air Lines: Recently increased their first bag fee to $35 and the second bag to $45.

Strategies to Avoid Paying $40+ Per Bag

While these price hikes are frustrating, you do not have to pay them. There are several concrete ways to reduce your luggage costs to zero.

1. Get the Right Co-Branded Credit Card

This is the most consistent way to bypass fees. Most airline credit cards waive the fee for the first checked bag for the cardholder and usually for companions on the same reservation.

• For American Airlines: The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard offers a free first checked bag for you and up to four companions. With the fee at $40 each way, a family of four saves $320 on a single round-trip vacation. This easily offsets the card’s annual fee (which is often waived for the first year).
• For JetBlue: The JetBlue Plus Card provides a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to three companions.
• For United: The Chase United Explorer Card offers a free first bag for you and one companion.
• For Delta: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card includes a free first bag for you and up to eight other people on your reservation.

2. Pay Online in Advance

If you do not have an airline credit card, you must change your booking habits. American Airlines specifically penalizes you for paying at the airport. By logging into the app or website and adding a bag before you arrive at the terminal, you save $5 per bag. On a round trip for a couple, that is a $20 saving just for clicking a button at home.

3. Pursue Elite Status

Frequent flyers who earn elite status generally receive complimentary checked bags.

• American Airlines: AAdvantage Gold members (the lowest tier) get one free checked bag. Platinum members get two.
• JetBlue: Mosaic members receive two free checked bags.

4. Pack a Carry-On (But Be Careful)

While Southwest Airlines still allows two free checked bags, they are the exception. For everyone else, “carry-on only” is the best budget strategy. However, be aware of Basic Economy restrictions:

• United Basic Economy: You are not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you are flying to South America or across the Atlantic. If you bring one to the gate, you will be charged the checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.
• JetBlue Blue Basic: Similar to United, the lowest fare class does not include a carry-on bag (except for transatlantic flights). You are limited to a personal item that fits under the seat.

Why Are Fees Rising Now?

Airlines cite higher operating costs as the primary driver for these increases. JetBlue stated that the cost of transporting bags has risen due to higher fuel prices and increased labor wages. American Airlines noted that their fees had not changed since 2018, despite inflation affecting every other aspect of the industry.

However, baggage fees are also a massive revenue stream. In 2023 alone, U.S. airlines collected nearly $7 billion in baggage fees. By raising prices by $5 to $10, carriers generate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue without raising the base ticket price, keeping their fares looking competitive on search engines like Google Flights or Expedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southwest Airlines still offer free bags? Yes. Southwest remains the only major U.S. carrier that allows every passenger to check two bags for free. This policy applies to their lowest fare classes as well.

How do I know if my travel dates are “Peak” for JetBlue? JetBlue publishes a calendar on their website detailing peak pricing. Generally, if schools are out (summer, spring break, winter holidays) or there is a major federal holiday, you should expect to pay peak pricing.

What counts as a personal item? A personal item must fit entirely underneath the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. If you have to put it in the overhead bin, it counts as a carry-on.

Do military members pay for bags? Active duty U.S. military personnel usually get significantly better baggage allowances. On American Airlines, for example, active military on personal travel can check up to three bags for free (up to 50 lbs each). If traveling on orders, they can check up to five bags (up to 100 lbs each).