All four major airlines are raising prices! The surge in fuel prices by 88% is weighing heavily on the airline industry. Delta (DAL.US) and Southwest (LUV.US) are "raising prices together," with a $10 baggage fee.

Zhitong Finance APP learned that Delta Air Lines (DAL.US) and Southwest Airlines (LUV.US) will raise checked baggage fees by $10, becoming the third and fourth major U.S. airlines to increase prices this year due to a sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.

In a statement, Southwest Airlines said, “As part of its ongoing evaluation of its operations, and taking into account the constantly changing global macro environment, Southwest Airlines will increase the fees for the first and second checked bags by $10 each. This adjustment applies to all reservations issued or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026.”

Less than a year ago, Southwest Airlines had just ended a policy that allowed all passengers to check two bags for free.

After this adjustment, the fee for checking the first bag for both airlines will rise to $45, and the fee for the second bag will rise to $55.

Delta Air Lines’ adjustment will take effect for new bookings starting this Wednesday (April 8). It applies to domestic flights and shorter international flights, but does not include long-haul international routes.

Delta Air Lines said in a statement on Tuesday: “These updates are part of Delta’s ongoing evaluation of pricing for its business, reflecting changes in the global situation and the impact of industry dynamics.”

Delta Air Lines’ fee for the third checked bag is $200.

Last week, United Airlines (UAL.US) and JetBlue Airways (JBLU.US) had already raised their baggage fees. Other airlines will typically follow with such price adjustments.

According to data from Argus cited by Airlines for America (Airlines for America), on Monday the aviation fuel price in major U.S. cities was $4.69 per gallon, up nearly 88% cumulatively since February 28, when the U.S. launched attacks on Iran. Over the past month, the key shipping corridor the Strait of Hormuz has been basically closed, cutting off global supplies of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Delta Air Lines will release its first-quarter results ahead of the market opening on Wednesday. Investors are very likely to ask management how the company will respond to the surge in fuel prices (the largest expense after labor). Analysts noted that strong demand can partially offset the pressure from higher fuel costs, but it is still unclear whether airlines can fully cover the additional expenses brought about by the increase in fuel prices.