Alaska Airlines raises checked bag fees due to record diesel prices

Trucking industry warns of higher consumer prices as diesel costs remain high

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:10am

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A geometric abstract illustration using simple shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the impact of rising diesel fuel prices on the transportation and logistics industry.Soaring diesel costs ripple through the supply chain, driving up prices for consumers.Bellingham Today

Alaska Airlines has increased its checked baggage fees by $5 for the first bag and $10 for the second bag, citing the volatility in fuel prices. This comes as diesel prices in Washington state have reached record highs, with the average price in Whatcom County standing at $6.76 per gallon as of April 10. The Washington Trucking Associations warns that the continued increases in diesel prices will likely drive consumer prices even higher moving forward, as trucking is the second-largest expense for the industry after labor.

Why it matters

Diesel is the main fuel that powers the country's freight system, and the high prices are putting significant pressure on the trucking industry. As these increased costs get passed on to consumers, it could lead to higher prices for a wide range of goods and services, impacting both businesses and households across the state.

The details

According to AAA, the average price of diesel fuel is setting new all-time highs every day in both Whatcom County and Washington. The Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) warns that the continued increases in diesel prices will likely drive consumer prices even higher moving forward, as trucking is the second-largest expense for the industry after labor. In response to the high fuel costs, Alaska Airlines announced on April 9 that it's increasing its fees for checked baggage, with the first bag fee rising by $5 and the second bag fee increasing by $10.

  • The average price of diesel fuel in Whatcom County stood at $6.76 per gallon as of April 10, 2026.
  • Alaska Airlines announced the increase in checked baggage fees on April 9, 2026, with the new fees taking effect on April 10, 2026.

The players

Alaska Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has increased its checked baggage fees due to the high diesel fuel prices.

Washington Trucking Associations (WTA)

The industry group representing the trucking industry in Washington state, which has warned that the continued increases in diesel prices will likely drive consumer prices even higher.

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What they’re saying

“Diesel prices are not following the same downward trend as gasoline, and that disconnect matters. Trucking runs on diesel, and when those costs stay high, it impacts everything—from the cost of goods to the stability of small businesses across our state.”

— Sheri Call, President and CEO of the Washington Trucking Associations

The takeaway

The record-high diesel prices in Washington state are putting significant strain on the trucking industry, which is the backbone of the freight system. As these increased costs get passed on to consumers, it could lead to higher prices for a wide range of goods and services, impacting both businesses and households across the state.