11/04/2026
✈️ U.S. Airlines Are Raising Baggage Fees as Fuel Costs Surge
With the war in Iran disrupting global oil supplies, jet fuel prices have doubled since late February 2026. U.S. airlines have been hit hard, and baggage fees are the latest place travelers are feeling the impact.
American, United, Delta, Alaska and Southwest have all raised their bag fees this spring. On United, the increases apply only to new bookings, and American has introduced a first‑ever policy:
➡️ Basic Economy passengers will pay an additional $5 on top of the newly increased fee for tickets booked on or after May 18, 2026.
As of April 2026, most U.S. domestic travelers can expect:
$40–$50 for the first checked bag, EACH WAY
$45–$60 for the second checked bag, EACH WAY
That’s up to 28% higher than at the start of the year.
🔹 American & United:
Currently charging $50 per checked bag (up to 50 lbs) each way.
You can save $5 by prepaying online before the day of travel.
Both still include one free carry‑on.
🔹 Frontier Airlines:
Still the best value for checked bags at $58 round‑trip (up to 40 lbs) IF pre-paid with your ALG Vacations package reservation.
However, Frontier does NOT include a free carry‑on — those are $58 round‑trip as well. You do still get a small personal item, that has to go under the seat in front of you for free.
💡 Pro Tip: PREPAY your bags online before check‑in. Several airlines offer discounts when you pay ahead instead of waiting until the airport.