Jet-Fuel Squeeze Pushes U.S. Airlines to Hike Baggage Fees

Delta, United and JetBlue have raised baggage fees as jet-fuel costs surge amid the US-Israeli campaign against Iran; Delta increases first/second bag fees by $10 (to $45 and $55) and makes a third bag $200, while United’s fees rise to $45 for the first bag booked ahead (or $50 last-minute) and $55–$60 for the second bag; JetBlue also hikes fees on a sliding scale. The move comes as fuel prices in major hubs climb from about $2.50 to roughly $4.81 per gallon, with carriers citing evolving global conditions. Despite the cost pressures, Delta projects about $1 billion in pre-tax profit for the June quarter.