Airlines Hike Bag Fees: Fuel Costs Blamed

0:00Major U.S. airlines are hiking checked back fees as jet fuel prices have more than doubled over the past seven weeks. This spike ties directly to the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Fuel ranks as the second largest cost for carriers, right after labor, so they're passing it on to passengers. JetBlue kicks things off last week, with United jumping in right after. American, Delta, and even Southwest, which rarely charges for bags, followed suit. Those head tickets bought, or flights starting early April, like April 9th for American. Airline bosses are blunt about the pain. United CEO told staff that double fuel costs could add $11 billion a year, more than their best-ever profit of under $5 billion. Still, he says the man for flights stays sky high, despite rising fares. Most hikes add $10 per bag. At $45 pre-paid for the first checked bag across these lines, $55 for the second, and a steep $200 for a third.

1:02Airport payments bump into $50 and $60, elites, military folks, and certain credit card holders dodged the fees. Pack smart if you're boarding soon. These changes stick for domestic and short routes, hitting wallets amid tight budgets, but strong travel hunger keeps seats full. I'm Koi with the story, and you've been listening to Tampa Bay News today, AI Powered Local News.