US airlines raise checked baggage fees amid surge in fuel costs

American Airlines and Alaska Air have increased checked baggage fees as carriers respond to rising jet fuel prices. American Airlines said it will raise the fee by $10 each for the first and second checked bags for travellers booking domestic and short-haul international flights, effective Thursday. The airline has also increased the cost of a third checked bag by $50, taking it to $200.

Alaska Air plans to increase checked bag fees by $5 for the first bag and $10 for the second for passengers on its North American flights, including those operated by its unit Hawaiian Airlines. It has also raised the cost of a third checked bag to $200. The airline said there are no changes to its loyalty programmes, which will continue to offer checked baggage benefits for intra-state travel within Hawaii and Alaska.

American Airlines added that it will introduce an additional $5 increase on checked bags for customers flying with basic economy tickets from May 18. From the same date, basic economy passengers will also be charged a fee to select a seat and will not be eligible for complimentary system-wide upgrades. Travellers in premium cabins will continue to receive free baggage on both domestic and international flights.

The fee increases come as airlines seek to offset higher fuel costs. Jet fuel prices, which averaged about $85 to $90 per barrel in February, have risen to around $209 per barrel globally, according to the International Air Transport Association.

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