Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines Follow Other U.S. Carriers in Raising Checked Bag Fees

Updated: April 10, 2026, 8:21am CDT

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It’s Now More Expensive To Check a Bag on Alaska or Hawaiian Flights
Final Thoughts

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We’ve seen a steady stream of U.S. carriers raise the fees they charge to check bags amid the recent spike in oil prices stemming from the wars in the Middle East.

Effective today, April 10, 2026, it will now cost anywhere from $5 to $50 more to check a bag with either airline, depending on the type of flight you book.

Here’s what you need to know.

It’s Now More Expensive To Check a Bag on Alaska or Hawaiian Flights

JetBlue was the first carrier to announce an increase in checked bag fees at the end of March, in response to the precipitous jump in oil prices over recent weeks, driven by the ongoing wars in the Middle East.

Since then, United, Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines have all followed suit. Now it’s Alaska and Hawaiian’s turn to increase the fees they charge for checking bags on certain flights.

Alaska Hawaiian Airlines — You’ll be paying more for checked bags. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

For certain flights booked on or after today, April 10, 2026, passengers will have to pay more to check bags. Here’s what you’ll have to pay now:

First checked bag: $45 (a $5 increase over previous rates)
Second checked bag: $55 (a $10 increase over previous rates)
Third or more checked bags: $200 (a $50 increase over previous rates)

These new rates apply to North American flights, including Central America and Hawaii. Note, however, that intraisland flights entirely within the state of Hawaii are not affected. It still costs $30 to check a first bag and $40 for a second.

Fees for long-haul international flights, including those to Europe or Asia, aren’t increasing at this point.

This is an unfortunate — but not surprising — change, given the moves other U.S. carriers have made in the last couple of weeks.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to avoid these baggage fees altogether: holding the right credit card. Both Alaska and Hawaiian issue co-branded credit cards, all of which include a complimentary first checked bag.

Hot Tip:

Check out the latest welcome bonus offers available for Alaska Airlines’ slate of new Atmos Rewards-earning credit cards.

Final Thoughts

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have followed their U.S. peers in raising checked baggage fees for flyers on certain flights, effective today, April 10. Of course, it’s disappointing to see carriers so quick to raise fees, but it’s not surprising, given the environment. Remember, though, that you can avoid these fees altogether if you choose a credit card that offers a complimentary first checked bag.