Delta Air Lines has just quietly increased checked bag fees, following the lead of several other US airlines.
Delta raises checked bag fees as of March 5, 2024
Delta has updated its baggage page to reflect new fees for tickets purchased as of March 5, 2024. For domestic flights, the airline has increased checked bag fees from $30 to $35 for the first bag, and from $40 to $45 for the second bag.
As before, many passengers are entitled to free checked bags. In addition to first class passengers:
- Those with select co-branded Delta credit cards receive a free first checked bag for domestic itineraries
- Those with Delta SkyMiles Medallion elite status, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members, receive a checked bag benefit
Delta last raised checked bag fees in 2018, so this is the first change we’ve seen in nearly six years. A $5 increase over that period essentially just keeps up with inflation.
This increase isn’t as bad as at other airlines
It’s not surprising to see Delta follow the lead of other US airlines, since US carriers do tend to follow one another when it comes to opportunities to increase ancillary revenue.
What I find interesting is that Delta isn’t quite raising checked bag fees in the same way as some other airlines. For example, when American and United recently raised checked bag fees, they introduced tiered pricing based on whether you paid for your checked bag prior to check-in or at check-in. Delta’s new pricing is in line with the lower costs charged by the other airlines.
I also can’t help but point out that Delta isn’t being terribly transparent with this change, and isn’t really acknowledging it in any way. The baggage fees page just lists the new baggage pricing, without any mention of that fee only applying for purchases as of a certain date. Only when you use the baggage fee calculator will you notice the change in pricing.
Bottom line
Delta has just increased checked bag fees, making it the last major airline in the United States to do so (except Southwest, of course, which continues to offer two free checked bags to all passengers). The airline was pretty mild with its increases, and only raised fees by $5, regardless of when you pay for your checked bag.
Ultimately a $5 increase after nearly six years isn’t unreasonable, given inflation. And while inflation has been high in recent years in general, the airline industry has seen above average wage increases, making this even more justifiable.
What do you make of Delta increasing checked bag fees?
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