Delta Air Lines Hikes Bag Fee as Industry Tries to Offset Surging Fuel Costs -- Barrons.com

Dow Jones04-07

By Kit Norton

Delta Air Lines is the latest carrier to raise its fees for checked luggage as the industry grapples with rising jet fuel prices brought on by the Iran war.

Delta said Tuesday it will increase checked luggage fees by $10 to $45 for a first item and $55 for a second item. The fee for a third checked bag will go up $50 to $200. The new prices take effect for tickets purchased starting Wednesday.

Delta didn't immediately respond to request for comment from Barron's.

United Airlines and JetBlue Airways made similar moves last week, as spillover effects from the Iran war have pushed up energy prices and pressured airlines' profit margins.

Price hikes are bad for travelers, but the recent moves may suggest even more trouble for investors. Airline stocks have broadly suffered from a spike in jet fuel prices during the Iran war. Higher jet fuel prices mean it is incredibly difficult for airlines to generate profits, according to analysts.

Delta stock declined 1.4% to $65.80 on Tuesday. United Airlines shares fell 2.2% to $88.69 and JetBlue dropped 2.4% to $4.47.

Delta Air Lines reports first-quarter earnings before the opening bell Wednesday. Wall Street forecasts earnings of 57 cents per share, compared to 46 cents per share a year ago, with revenue up 9% to $1.45 billion, according to FactSet.

Write to Kit Norton at kit.norton@barrons.com

This content was created by Barron's, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. Barron's is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

 

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April 07, 2026 10:12 ET (14:12 GMT)

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