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

Delta Airlines As the industry grapples with a surge in jet fuel spending this year, it increased the checked baggage fee by $10 for tickets purchased starting Wednesday; This has increased prices as the third largest carrier in the United States.

“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. he said.

The changes will increase the check fee for the first bag to $45 and the second bag to $55 on domestic or short-haul international flights. Checking a third bag will cost $200.

Last week, United Airlines And JetBlue Airlines increased checked baggage fees. Other carriers often follow such pricing moves.

Jet fuel was selling for $4.69 a gallon in major U.S. cities on Monday, according to Airlines for America, which cited Argus data, up nearly 88% since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. The key Strait of Hormuz shipping channel remained effectively closed last month, blocking global supplies of crude and refined fuels.

Delta reports first-quarter results before the market opens on Wednesday, and investors are likely to ask executives how well they’re handling the increase in fuel, the airline’s biggest expense after labor. Analysts have pointed out that strong demand is a solution to high fuel prices, but it is unclear whether carriers will be able to absorb the full increase in fuel prices.