Delta hikes bag check fee by up to $50 as jet fuel prices soar

Delta Air Lines is hiking its bag-check fees, the latest U.S. carrier to increase the charge to fly hands-free as jet fuel costs rise due to the Iran war. 

Delta cited "evolving global conditions and industry dynamics" in announcing the change, which takes effect Wednesday. Fees for travelers' first and second checked bags will rise by $10, while it will cost $50 to check a third piece of luggage on domestic and short-haul international flights, the airline said. 

The new fee structure is part of "Delta's ongoing review of pricing across its business," the carrier said in a statement to CBS News. The increase represents the first time in two years that Delta has hiked fees for checking bags domestically, the airline noted.

Here are the new rates:

• First bag: $45 
• Second bag: $55
• Third bag: $200

Delta SkyMiles Medallion club members, first-class passengers and other eligible customers will still be able to check bags for free, the airline said. Checked-bag rates on long-haul international flights also remain unchanged. 

Delta follows United and JetBlue in raising bag check fees since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. 

Airlines have tried to offset higher fuel costs by raising airfares and, in some cases, adding fuel surcharges to ticket costs. Flight experts encourage travelers to purchase refundable fares for upcoming travel now, in case prices rise further. 

The U.S. airline could face tens of billions of dollars in added fuel costs if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to Deutsche Bank analysts. If jet fuel prices remained just $2 per gallon higher for the entire year, airlines would have to boost their fares by roughly 17%, or $50, across the board to fully offset those costs, the investment bank estimates. 

The price of jet fuel was $209 a barrel for the week ending April 3, up 132% from last year's average, according to the International Air Transport Association.