Delta raises checked bag fees $10 amid jet fuel price surge

Delta Air Lines raised its fee for checked bags by $10 for tickets purchased starting Wednesday, the third major U.S. carrier to increase prices as the industry grapples with a jump in jet fuel expenses this year.

“These updates are part of Delta’s ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The changes would bring the fee to check a first piece of luggage on a domestic or short-haul international flight to $45, and $55 for a second bag. A third bag would cost $200 to check.

Last week, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways increased their checked bag fees. Other carriers often follow such pricing moves.

Jet fuel in major U.S. cities was going for $4.69 a gallon on Monday, according to Airlines for America, citing Argus data, up nearly 88% since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. The key Strait of Hormuz shipping channel has remained effectively closed over the past month, choking off global crude and refined fuel supplies.

Delta reports first-quarter results before the market opens on Wednesday, and investors are likely to question executives on how well they are covering the surge in fuel, airlines’ biggest expense after labor. Analysts have pointed to strong demand as a salve for high fuel, but it’s not clear that carriers will be able to cover the entirety of the fuel price run-up.