by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 6, 2024
Delta Airlines announces $5 increase to current prices for checked luggage, in a move that follow other major airlines, United and American.
Delta is joining other airlines in increasing the prices of checked luggage. The Atlanta-based company announced a $5 increase for those who need more than carry-ons.
The airline announced the news on March 5, taking its fee for the first checked bag from $30 to $35, per WSB-TV. The second fee will now be $45 for those with additional baggage. The price increases exponentially for any extra luggage, with its third-bag fee of $150 remaining unchanged. However, for travelers already on the move, the new charge does not apply to those who bought tickets priobefore announcement date. Delta has already updated its website to reflect new prices.
Delta is following suit with American and United, which recently announced their own price increases for baggage. However, Delta’s price point is less expensive than its competitors’. American increased its fee by $10, making its updated cost $40 for the first checked luggage, as reported by the news outlet in February. Delta also emphasized that this is their first price hike since 2018.
The revenue acquired from checked baggage fees is well into the billions for U.S.-based companies. However, of the major airlines, Delta ranks third for most profits in 2022, totaling $9.974 million. It is a significant gap from American Airlines’ profit of $1.7 billion; the airline also started the measure in 2008, per AP News. However, the Fort Worth, Texas-based company has announced a decrease in fees for overweight or oversized luggage, which is expected to go into effect in April. Delta’s prices in this capacity are still the same, ranging from $100 to $200.
So far, this news will not impact Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders, who typically receive waived first-checked baggage fees when purchasing flights with their card. These new charges do not apply to those traveling between the United States and other countries within the Americas, such as Canada and Mexico.
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