Delta Becomes Latest Airline To Raise Checked Bag Fees — Starting on April 8

The latest popular trend among airlines is one that could hurt your wallet: raising checked bag fees.

Delta Air Lines is following JetBlue and United by raising fees for the first checked bag, with Delta’s increase set at $10 per bag for your first and second checked bags. For anyone checking a third suitcase, you’ll see a $50 jump.

Here’s what travelers need to know about these increased fees — and why you might want to book your flights today to avoid them.

Delta Increases Checked Bag Fees

For flights booked on or after April 8, 2026, Delta will increase its checked bag fees per bag.

Here’s what travelers will pay for checked luggage going forward:

Again, these new fees take effect based on when you booked your ticket, not based on when you fly. Thus, booking your flight today, April 7, could make sense if you’re planning to fly with Delta, check luggage, and will need to pay for it. That’s true even if your flight is months away.

Delta’s move isn’t surprising. JetBlue and United have already raised their checked bag fees due to higher jet fuel costs. As fuel costs have risen, airlines have sought to pass those costs on to consumers, and Delta will hardly be the last airline to raise baggage fees.

How To Avoid These New Fees

Remember that passengers traveling in first class or Delta One receive a complimentary baggage allowance. Delta Medallion elite members also get complimentary checked bags, and those flying long-haul on most ticket types — but not basic economy — don’t pay to check their first suitcase.

Thus, the fee increase will mostly hit those traveling within North America and flying in economy.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to avoid Delta’s checked bag fees for your first checked item on these flights: holding a Delta credit card. Other than the introductory-level Delta SkyMiles^® Blue American Express Card, all other Delta credit cards from American Express offer at least a first checked bag at no cost when flying with Delta. If you fly with the carrier a few times a year, this can lead to real savings.

Final Thoughts

Airlines are rushing to pass along their increased costs to consumers, and Delta is the latest to announce an increase in checked bag fees. The cost for checking your first and second suitcases is increasing by $10 per item, while the cost for a third checked bag is increasing by $50 — all starting with flights booked on April 8, 2026.

Luckily, it’s possible to avoid these fees on flights within North America, even when flying in economy. For those paying the fees, $10 may not seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly on repeat flights.