Following in the footsteps of Alaska, American, and United, Delta increases its checked bag fees. However, it kept its increase more similar to Alaska’s than what the other two did.
Alaska Airlines was the first U.S. carrier in quite a while to increase its checked-bag fees, bumping them up by $5. American followed suit months later with a rather complicated increase, raising its first and second checked bag fees by $10, but offering a $5 discount for those that add and pay for their bags at least 24 hours before their scheduled departure time. They also made the unusual move of announcing several fee decreases.
United followed American shortly after by implementing an across-the-board increase. They even copied American’s scheme, by increasing fees by $10, but giving you a $5 discount for advance purchases. Unfortunately, unlike American, United didn’t offer any positive changes.
With these two juggernauts implementing checked bag fee increases, it was only a matter of time until Delta did the same, and now it has.
Delta Increases Its Checked Bag Fees
That Delta increases its checked bag fees was a given as soon as American did so, though I’m a bit surprised that United beat them to it. And much like United, you’d be hard-pressed to find an announcement on delta.com. However, looking at their baggage page, it’s clear that prices have gone up. As of Tuesday, Delta’s pricing reflects $35 for your first checked bag and $40 for the second.
Using their bag fee calculator only reinforces this, as a domestic ticket purchased on 3/1 for travel on 3/16 shows $30 for your first bag and $40 for your second bag, while that same itinerary purchased on 3/5 shows the higher amounts.
Given this, it’s worth noting that, yes, tickets purchased before Tuesday, March 5, 2024, will continue to honor the old checked bag fee, even if you didn’t add any bags to your itinerary yet. However, any ticket purchased after this date will be subject to the new fees.
It’s worth reminding that, aside from the fee increases, Delta’s baggage policy hasn’t changed. That means a weight limit of 50lbs and a size limit of 62in (LxWxH) continues to apply for all Main Cabin and Plus passengers. For Silver Medallion members, your first checked bag is free, while your weight allowance increases to 70lbs. Gold Medallions and higher also get their second checked bag free.
For co-brand credit card cardholders, those with the Gold Card or higher (consumer/business) get their first checked bag of up to 50 lbs free. It’s worth noting that this benefit is stackable, so Silver Medallion members with a Gold Card may check two bags for free and also enjoy an increased weight limit of 70 lbs for both.
Finally, passengers traveling in Delta Premium Select, First Class, or Delta One continue to receive two free checked bags of up to 70 lbs for free. Again, these benefits are stackable with the Gold Card’s (or higher) benefit, meaning those traveling in premium cabins with one of the qualifying cards can check three bags for free. Three bags appear to be the maximum, though, as even Diamond Medallion members traveling in Delta One with the Reserve card still don’t receive a fourth checked bag free.
Final Thoughts
Again, this move comes as no surprise to me – it really was a given. What’s also a given is that, even as Delta increases its checked bag fees, it’s still incredibly easy to avoid for those who fly with Delta at least somewhat regularly. After all, the $150 annual fee Gold Card provides one free checked bag for you and up to nine others traveling on the same itinerary. That’s on top of other perks, such as award ticket discounts, 20% back as statement credits for in-flight purchases, and more.
That said, if you don’t patronize Delta regularly enough to justify carrying one of their cards to earn status, then news that Delta increases its checked bag fees is unwelcome. It’s an inconvenience you’ll have to deal with flying with all U.S. legacies at this point, with the exception of Southwest, which always allows you to check two bags free, and Hawaiian, which hasn’t increased its fees. Yet.