American and Southwest have joined the crowd of U.S. airlines that have increased checked-bag fees over the past two weeks.
American, though, has added a wrinkle by making checked-bag fees higher for Basic Economy tickets than other fares.
Both carriers cited the current operating environment for the increase. Jet fuel prices dropped sharply following the onset of the tenuous Iran war ceasefire, but they still averaged $4.16 per gallon on April 8, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index, up from $2.50 on the eve of the war in late February.
American has increased its checked-bag fees for flights booked beginning April 9 by $10, to $50 for the first bag and $60 for the second bag on domestic and short-haul international flights. Flyers who prepay online or on the American app will receive a $5 discount per bag.
Basic Economy flyers will pay an additional fee of $5 for flights booked on May 18 or later.
Also on May 18, the airline will take away the option that flyers with AAdvantage loyalty status currently have for free Basic Economy seat assignments and to receive upgrades while traveling on a Basic Economy fare.
Southwest, which only began charging for checked bags last May, implemented its first bag fee hike on Thursday. The $10 increase means first checked bags cost $45 and second checked bags cost $55.
JetBlue, United and Delta each raised bag fees as well either this week or last week.