U.S. Airlines Hike Bag Fees Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs

Major US airlines are offsetting rising jet fuel costs by increasing fees for checked bags, extra legroom, seat-selection preferences, and other ancillary services, according to Henry H. Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group in San Francisco, Janet H. Cho reported for Barron’s Daily.

The 13 largest US airlines collected more than $5.47 billion in checked-bag fees through September 2025.

Harteveldt said airlines can raise ticket prices only so much before consumers begin pushing back. While some travelers are choosing lower-cost fares to save money, others remain willing to pay for added conveniences.

Budget carrier Spirit Airlines reportedly shut down this month under pressure from elevated jet fuel costs.

Jay Sorensen, president of IdeaWorks, a consulting firm specializing in airline ancillary-fee strategies, said baggage fees remain the largest single source of extra airline revenue.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the 13 largest US airlines collected more than $5.47 billion in checked-bag fees through September 2025.

JetBlue Airways began raising checked-bag fees in March, increasing charges by as much as $10 per bag due to higher operating costs. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines followed with similar increases in early April.