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Southwest Airlines Hikes Baggage Fees Amid Higher Jet Fuel Costs
The carrier is raising checked bag fees by $10 as oil prices surge since the start of the Iran war.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:41pm
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As airlines grapple with surging fuel costs, Southwest's decision to hike baggage fees reflects the industry's evolving financial landscape.Chicago TodaySouthwest Airlines is increasing its checked baggage fees by $10, with the first bag now costing $45 and the second bag $55. The move comes less than a year after the airline ended its long-standing 'bags fly free' policy, and is part of an effort to offset higher jet fuel costs that have spiked since the start of the Iran war in late February.
Why it matters
Southwest's decision to raise baggage fees marks a significant shift for the airline, which had long marketed its free checked bags as a key differentiator. The fee hike is the latest in a series of similar moves by U.S. carriers as they grapple with surging jet fuel prices in the wake of the Iran conflict, which has disrupted global oil supplies.
The details
Customers checking one bag will now pay $45, up from $35, while a second bag will cost $55, up from $45. Some travelers will still receive a free first checked bag, including certain loyalty-tier members, eligible co-branded credit card holders and active-duty military members. Southwest said the changes are 'part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop'.
- On May 2025, Southwest ended its decades-old policy of allowing passengers to check two bags for free.
- On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines' higher baggage fees took effect.
- Last week, JetBlue and United Airlines also raised their bag fees.
The players
Southwest Airlines
A major U.S. airline known for its low fares and generous baggage policies, which is now raising checked bag fees amid higher jet fuel costs.
Donald Trump
The former U.S. president who announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran just before a deadline he had set for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s next
Airlines will continue to monitor fuel prices and may adjust baggage fees or other charges accordingly. The fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran will also be closely watched to see if it holds and helps stabilize oil markets.
The takeaway
Southwest's decision to raise baggage fees highlights the financial pressures airlines are facing due to the surge in jet fuel costs triggered by the Iran conflict. As a result, travelers can expect to see more fee increases across the industry as carriers seek to offset these higher operational expenses.
