These airlines are raising baggage fees amid rising fuel costs

Travelers are watching America’s biggest airlines to see which one will be the next to announce higher fees as jet fuel prices continue to soar. 

Jet fuel costs have more than doubled in the six weeks since the U.S. and Israel started a war with Iran. Fuel is typically the second biggest expense for airlines after labor.

JetBlue was the first U.S. airline to announce baggage fee hikes, with United following suit the same week. So far, it’s still unclear if and when other airlines might do the same. 

Here’s what we know: 

JetBlue Airways

By the numbers:

JetBlue Airways is increasing baggage fees by $4 to $9 for economy travelers.

For flights within the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, the first checked bag will now cost $39 during off-peak travel (up from $35) and $49 during peak periods (up from $40). Travelers who pay less than 24 hours before departure will still incur an additional $10 fee.

RELATED: JetBlue hikes baggage fees as Iran conflict drives up jet fuel costs

Passengers with qualifying JetBlue co-branded credit cards or elite frequent flyer status will continue to be exempt from baggage fees.

United Airlines

United Airlines is raising checked bag fees by $10 to $50 for travelers purchasing tickets starting April 3. 

RELATED: United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50 as fuel prices nearly double since Iran war

Customers flying within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America can expect a $10 increase on first and second checked bags, while the fee for a third bag will jump by an additional $50.

Currently, tickets sold through April 2 list prepaid bag fees at $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third. Starting Friday, those fees will increase to $45, $55 and $200, respectively.

Similarly, bags paid within 24 hours of travel currently cost $40 for the first bag, $50 for the second and $150 for the third. Starting Friday, those fees will increase to $50, $60 and $200, respectively.

Eligible passengers — such as United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members and travelers in premium cabins — can still check a bag for free. 

What they're saying:

"The reality is, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the last three weeks," United CEO Scott Kirby wrote in a memo to employees in March. "If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11B in annual expense just for jet fuel. For perspective, in United’s best year ever, we made less than $5B." 

Despite soaring fuel costs and higher plane fares, Kirby said "demand remains the strongest we've ever seen." 

Will other airlines raise baggage fees? 

Big picture view:

When one airline raises fees, competitors often tend to do the same, though there have been no announcements so far from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines or Frontier Airlines.

Delta told FOX Local the airline "cannot comment on pricing and has nothing further to add."

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Southwest also declined to comment "ahead of reporting our 1Q earnings later this month."

FOX Local has also reached out to American, Alaska and Frontier. 

Are air fares going up? 

Dig deeper:

Industry experts say U.S. airlines have quietly boosted fares in the weeks since the Iran war started, but since they don’t typically rely on fuel surcharges, they’re also expected to pass on higher fuel costs to travelers by raising — or introducing — add-on fees.

Kirby of United Airlines has previously said that air fares would need to go up by 20% to cover the rising cost of jet fuel. 

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