As I stepped out the front door in the morning, the sky had completely changed. The hazy sky that lingered all summer was now clear, with a hint of mint green.

On days like this, I feel the urge to go somewhere. So, while looking for fall travel tickets, my hand stopped at the baggage fee section.

The numbers I saw were not what I expected from last year. I had heard that major U.S. airlines raised their baggage fees this spring, but seeing it on the payment screen felt different.

First, let's summarize what has increased and by how much. All figures are based on domestic economy class in the U.S.

United Airlines has increased the first checked bag fee to $50 for tickets purchased after April 3, 2026. If paid in advance up to 24 hours before departure, it's $45.

The second bag costs $60 at the airport, or $55 if paid in advance. That's a $10 increase each time.

Delta has raised the first bag fee from $35 to $45 for reservations made after April 8. The second bag is $55, and the third bag is $200.

American Airlines has raised its fees twice this year. After an increase in February, for reservations made after April 9, the first bag fee is $50 at the airport and $45 for online prepayment.

Southwest is no exception. After eliminating free checked bags last May, they charged $35, and now for tickets issued after April 9, the first bag is $45 and the second bag is $55.

From the third bag onward, the fees increase significantly. Delta, United, and American all charge $200, so if you're traveling with a lot of luggage like you're moving, you'll need to recalculate.

The airlines cited rising fuel prices due to the situation in the Middle East as the reason. Regardless of the reason, if a couple each brings one bag round trip, the baggage fees alone will total $180.

Honestly, seeing these numbers made me sigh. It feels like calculating baggage fees has become more complicated than the ticket prices.

However, there are ways to mitigate this. With a little preparation, you can significantly reduce baggage fees even on the same trip.

First is prepayment. United and American offer a $5 discount per bag if you pay online or through the app instead of at the airport.

While $5 may seem small, for two people round trip, that adds up to $20. It's better to pay in advance rather than just letting it slide at check-in.

Second is using airline co-branded credit cards. The Delta Amex card offers the first checked bag free on Delta flights booked with that card, and Delta states that it can save up to $90 per person round trip.

It's also worth noting that this benefit applies to up to eight companions on the same reservation. This can be quite beneficial for family trips.

Most co-branded cards from American and United, as well as the Southwest Rapid Rewards card, also offer the first bag free. However, since there is an annual fee, you should consider how often you fly in a year before choosing.

Third is to avoid changing tickets unnecessarily. Increased fees usually apply based on the purchase or ticketing date.

With Southwest, even if you bought a ticket before the increase, if you voluntarily change it, the new fees will apply. Be sure to check this before altering your schedule.

Fourth is to consider seat and membership tiers. All four airlines mentioned maintain free baggage benefits for higher-tier members, and United and American also offer this for premium cabin passengers.

Active military personnel also receive additional benefits. If you have someone in your family who qualifies, be sure not to overlook this during the booking process.

Fifth is to pack light with just a carry-on bag. However, the basic economy fare has different carry-on regulations among airlines, so be sure to read the conditions before purchasing a ticket.

American has set the first bag fee for domestic basic economy tickets purchased after May 18 at $55 at the airport. You could end up paying more in baggage fees than you saved by buying a cheaper ticket.

One more thing to keep in mind is weight. Most airlines charge extra fees for bags over 50 pounds, so it's a good habit to weigh your bag at home before you leave. There's nothing more embarrassing than unpacking your bag in front of the airport counter to redistribute weight.

What I realized while comparing all this is that baggage fees should be considered part of the ticket price. If a ticket is $20 cheaper but the baggage fee is $30 more, it doesn't make sense.

If I were to fly the same airline two or three times a year, I would get a co-branded card. If it's less than that, I would opt for prepayment and packing light.

Since fees can change at any time, I recommend checking the airline's official baggage page once more before departure.

Looking out the window, I see clouds drifting low. I hope this fall is light in baggage and clear in spirit, just like the sky.