Alaska Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees Amid Soaring Fuel Costs

The Seattle-based airline follows other major U.S. carriers in increasing baggage fees.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:18am

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A close-up, high-contrast photograph of a sleek, metallic luggage tag with the Alaska Airlines logo, resting on a plain, white background, conveying the abstract financial pressures facing the airline industry.The rising cost of jet fuel has forced Alaska Airlines and other major U.S. carriers to increase their checked baggage fees.Seattle Today

Alaska Airlines is raising its checked bag fees, with the first bag increasing to $45 and the second to $55. The new prices apply to flights booked on or after April 10, 2026, as airlines face rising fuel costs. Some travelers, including loyalty members and military, will still get free checked bags.

Why it matters

Jet fuel costs have more than doubled in recent weeks due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. As fuel is typically the second-biggest expense for airlines after labor, major carriers like Alaska, American, Delta, and Southwest have all announced increases to their baggage fees to offset these rising costs.

The details

The Seattle-based airline will raise fees by $5 for a first checked bag, and $10 for the second checked bag on North American Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights. The changes apply to flights booked on or after Friday, April 10, 2026. Fees for a third checked bag will also rise from $150 to $200. However, there are no changes to Alaska Airlines' oversized and overweight bag fees, First Class checked bag allowance, or its Huaka'i or Club 49 programs. Active-duty military is still allowed up to five free bags (70 lbs each), and Atmos Rewards members and eligible credit cardholders will continue to receive free checked bags.

  • The new baggage fees go into effect for flights booked on or after April 10, 2026.
  • Jet fuel costs have more than doubled in the nearly seven weeks since the U.S. and Israel started a war with Iran.

The players

Alaska Airlines

A Seattle-based airline that is raising its checked bag fees amid soaring jet fuel prices.

JetBlue

The first U.S. airline to announce baggage fee hikes, which prompted other major carriers to follow suit.

United Airlines

One of the first major U.S. airlines to increase bag fees after JetBlue's announcement.

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has also increased checked bag fees in response to rising fuel costs.

Delta Air Lines

A major U.S. airline that has increased checked bag fees in response to rising fuel costs.

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The takeaway

The baggage fee increases by Alaska Airlines and other major U.S. carriers highlight the significant financial pressures airlines are facing due to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices. As fuel costs continue to climb, travelers can expect to see more airlines raising their baggage and other ancillary fees in an effort to offset these rising operational expenses.