Airlines are increasing the cost of checked bags — here are some tips to avoid the extra charge.
Since the beginning of 2024, three major US airlines have increased their checked baggage fees by almost 30%.
In February, American Airlines and JetBlue raised their baggage fees, following in the footsteps of Alaska Air, who had increased their fees in January. This is not the first time this has happened; in 2018, all three airlines raised their fees within a short period of time.
American Airlines announced that the latest increase in fees for checked bags is due to inflation and rising fuel and operating costs. Here's what you need to know about the new fees and how to avoid them.
American Airlines checked bag fees
The cost of checking luggage on American Airlines flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guyana has increased. A single bag now costs $35 (previously $30), and a second bag is $45 (previously $40).
American has reduced fees for oversized luggage: Checked bags that are up to three pounds over the 50-pound limit will now cost an additional $30, down from the previous $100-$200 charge.
All tickets purchased on or after Feb. 20, 2024, will be subject to the new policy.
JetBlue checked bag fees
JetBlue has increased the fee for checking a bag within 24 hours of a flight within the U.S., Latin America, Caribbean, and Canada from $35 to $45, while the cost to check a second bag remains unchanged at $60.
Passengers can save $10 on their first two bags by checking in at least 24 hours before departure, as stated on the JetBlue website.
Alaska Airlines checked bag fees
On January 2, 2024, Alaska Airlines raised its baggage fees. The cost for the first bag increased from $30 to $35, while the fee for a second bag went up from $40 to $45.
How to avoid checked bag fees
If you're feeling overwhelmed by rising fees, consider packing everything into a carry-on. However, be aware that some low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier charge for overhead carry-on bags, and United Basic Economy and JetBlue Basic Blue don't allow them. Fortunately, many travel and airline credit cards offer perks that can help offset or eliminate the cost of checking your luggage.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides a yearly travel statement credit of up to $300 that can be used towards checked bag fees on any airline, as well as a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and bonus points for Lyft rides.
The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® provides one free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation. Additionally, you can earn 60,000 bonus miles after your first purchase within 90 days of opening the account, as well as a 25% statement credit on inflight food and beverages and up to $25 back from the cost of in-flight wifi.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card offers a free checked bag benefit for the cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation, priority boarding, 20% back on inflight purchases, and a $100 discount on an Alaska Lounge membership.
The JetBlue Plus Card provides a free checked bag for you and up to three companions on the same reservation, and earns 6x points on every $1 spent on eligible JetBlue purchases, one of the highest rates among cards reviewed by CNBC Select. Additionally, the Plus Card offers 2x points on restaurants and grocery stores and 1x points on all other purchases.
Bottom line
Using a credit card with travel rewards or that's co-branded with an airline can allow you to bring everything you need on a trip without worrying about the cost. The best travel cards also come with other great benefits.
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