In a recent move to increase revenue, Delta Airlines has raised the cost of checking your first bag on a domestic flight by a significant 17%. This adds $5 to the previous fee, bringing it to $35 per bag.
Following the Trend
Delta is not alone in its decision to hike bag fees. In fact, it is the third major U.S. carrier to do so in just a few weeks. American Airlines and United Airlines announced similar increases back in February, with Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways also following suit. This trend of raising fees amongst airlines is not uncommon, as carriers tend to mirror each other’s pricing changes.
Keeping up with Rising Costs
According to Delta, the increase in bag fees is necessary to keep up with the rising costs within the airline industry. The fee for a second bag has also been raised, going from $40 to $45. However, customers with status perks or first-class tickets can still enjoy complimentary checked bags.
Revenue Boost
Bag fees have proven to be a lucrative revenue stream for airlines since they were first introduced by American Airlines in 2008. In 2022 alone, U.S. airlines raked in a whopping $6.8 billion in checked-bag fees, with American and United leading the pack. Delta came in third with nearly $1 billion in revenue from bag fees.
In an industry where costs are constantly fluctuating, airlines are looking to alternative sources of income to stay afloat. The recent increase in bag fees by Delta Airlines is just one example of how carriers are adapting to the changing landscape of air travel.