Delta Air Lines, Salt Lake City’s largest global premium carrier, is raising its checked baggage fees for domestic flights, beginning Wednesday: $45 for the first bag, $55 for a second and $200 for a third.
Within the past week, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United have all increased their checked luggage fees.
Why is Delta raising its baggage fees?
“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 organization said.
These increases come amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, primarily over the Strait of Hormuz — a key route that 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through.
Since the war began, the strait has been a controversial focal point, frequently oscillating between being accessible and restricted, leading to significant hikes in global gas, fuel and oil prices.
Oil prices are north of $95 per barrel.
The average price for a gallon of jet fuel in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York was $4.81 on Tuesday. It was $2.50 before the war began.
Deutsche Bank analysts believe that if jet fuel prices remained just $2 per gallon higher for the entire year, airlines would have to boost their fares by roughly 17%, according to CBS.