Study Reveals Best and Worst Airline Fees

Base airfares are down, but airlines make up the difference through add-on charges.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A new study by NerdWallet analyzed baggage and seat selection fees across the six largest U.S. airlines. JetBlue topped the list as the most expensive, with average add-on fees totaling $173, while Delta had the lowest at $105. The report highlights how airlines are increasingly relying on unbundled fees to boost revenue, even as base airfares have declined over the past decade.

Why it matters

As airfare becomes more complex with tiered pricing and a la carte fees, travelers need to be savvy consumers to avoid unexpected costs. The study provides valuable insights into which airlines have the highest and lowest add-on charges, helping flyers make informed decisions when booking flights.

The details

The NerdWallet analysis focused on two common fee categories - baggage and seat selection - across the six largest U.S. airlines. JetBlue was found to have the highest average add-on fees at $173, followed by United, Southwest, American, and Alaska Airlines. Delta had the lowest average fees at $105, though the report notes that Delta's "Basic Economy" fares also come with restrictions on earning loyalty points.

  • The NerdWallet study was published on February 10, 2026.

The players

NerdWallet

A personal finance website that provides consumer advice, including the analysis of airline fees featured in this story.

Sally French

A writer at NerdWallet who commented on the airline fee trends highlighted in the study.

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What they’re saying

“JetBlue in 2024 announced bag surge pricing, if you fly during certain times of the year, you will pay more to check your bag than if you did on other times of the year.”

— Sally French, Writer, NerdWallet (wthr.com)

“That does not mean that Delta is immune to fees, especially if you are flying Basic Economy.”

— Sally French, Writer, NerdWallet (wthr.com)

What’s next

The report suggests that travelers should carefully review what is included in their airfare before booking, as a cheaper upfront ticket can become more expensive once add-on fees are factored in. One strategy to reduce baggage fees is to sign up for an airline-branded credit card, which often include free checked bags as a perk.

The takeaway

As airlines continue to unbundle their fares and rely more heavily on add-on charges, consumers must be diligent in understanding the true cost of their flights. This study provides valuable benchmarking data to help travelers identify which airlines have the highest and lowest fees, empowering them to make more informed purchasing decisions.