Major airlines are increasing the cost of checked bags as jet fuel prices rise
Chris Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America, explains that the increase in the price of jet fuel, influenced by global events such as the Strait of Hormuz, has had an impact on the airline industry. Major carriers including United and American are increasing checked bag fees to cut costs. Sununu discusses the low-income business and the possibility of a “difficult summer” if fuel prices remain high.
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Air travelers hoping for relief from rising ticket prices may not get it anytime soon — even if fuel costs drop, according to reports.
One airline executive in particular is facing backlash after suggesting the company may not drop higher fares even if oil prices stabilize, comments that have sparked outrage among travelers online.
During an earnings call earlier this month, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian indicated that the airline would “maintain any pricing power” gained in the current situation, even if fuel prices fall. He added that lower fuel costs “will help us increase our margins this year and clearly reach next year,” according to multiple reports.
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He also said “it’s hard to call anything short-term” given current fuel levels, The Guardian reported.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian is under fire for comments that suggest fares may not go down even if fuel costs ease. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted a key global oil supply route, with air fares soaring in recent weeks. About 20% of the world’s oil normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now under a US naval blockade that has greatly reduced shipping – making it a major factor driving up jet fuel costs, according to an industry report.
Analysts say some airlines already charge for fuel on long-haul routes, while others have raised baggage fees to offset rising costs.
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Delta alone expects its fuel bill to jump nearly $2 billion this quarter, as jet fuel prices have risen sharply since late February, according to CNBC.
Rising jet fuel costs related to the Iran conflict are pushing airlines to raise fares and fees. (Stock)
But Bastian’s comments about what happened next quickly sparked outrage on social media.
“Delta’s CEO is saying the silent part out loud,” another widely shared letter on X read, accusing the airline of using the crisis to raise prices permanently.
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Others were dull.
“If you give them an inch, they will rob you,” wrote one commentator.
Strong demand for travel helps airlines maintain high ticket prices despite rising costs. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
One user criticized the broader airline industry, writing that companies “never miss an opportunity to get value,” while others pointed to past government bailouts and mergers between major carriers.
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The setback comes as airlines navigate high travel demand coupled with volatile costs.
Despite the higher costs, Delta says bookings remain strong, and demand — especially for premium seats — continues to rise, according to CNBC.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Delta for comment.
Passengers present their boarding passes to a gate agent as they board a United Airlines flight at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colo. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
The airline, however, is not the only one warning about rising fares.
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United Airlines said it is raising ticket prices by 20% to offset rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war, with executives noting that customers are already booking future flights at higher prices, FOX Business reported this week.
Chief executive Scott Kirby said the airline aims to “recoup 100%” of the increased fuel costs, while other officials indicated that fares may remain high and possibly permanently if fuel prices continue to rise.
