With this week’s announcement that Alaska Airlines will raise checked bag fees by 17% in the next week, there’s a very clear indication of cost increases about to hit Hawaii travelers among others.
Alaska Airlines new checked baggage fees will be in effect for tickets purchased on or after Jan. 2. The hiked rates will increase the cost of a first checked bag to $35, a second checked bag to $45, while a third checked bag will stay at the rate of $150.
Alaska said that this is due to rising operating costs it is incurring, including high fuel prices.
While there is no doubt about big and fast-rising operating costs at Alaska and other airlines, jet fuel prices don’t seem to be at the front of the line, as least as far as 2023 is concerned. While average jet fuel costs were up in 2022, they were down in 2023.
As an aside, those who are premium (frequent) flyers, and those with paid, airline branded credit cards from Alaska, Hawaiian, United, Delta or American, can avoid the checked bag fees.
This is the first such checked bag increase in about five years and is likely to lead to all other airlines matching Alaska’s lead this week
Southwest stands alone in no checked bag fees to Hawaii.
Southwest remains the only airline that doesn’t charge for checked first and second bags for all passengers. That is clearly a strong value proposition, offering the equivalent benefit of $35 for those checking one bag, and $80 for those checking two bags, each way. It’s an undeniable factor to consider, that’s for sure.
Labor costs will drive airfare increases to Hawaii and elsewhere.
Southwest pilots reached a new tentative agreement that would provide for a 50% cumulative pay increase to pilots. That makes the relative Hawaii-newcomer the last of the airlines to reach pilot deals that all include huge pay hikes. The SWAPA union said the deal has a value of $12 billion, which is more even than the United pilots’ deal. The pay rate for a captain with 12 or more years of service will rise to $368 per hour. A new Hawaiian Airlines pilots contract was also achieved earlier this year.
Alaska flight attendants picketed for wage increases this week.
As pilots finish their airline deals, flight attendants still have further to go. Those at SW rejected a proposed deal recently. United flight attendants held picketing at 19 airports just last week. That, while at Alaska, flight attendant picketing took place this week at eight airports. And American flight attendants seek a 35% wage increase, together with added benefits and 9% more annually.
It’s clear that when it’s done, flight attendants will be in for wage raises similar to those that the pilots have been able to achieve. And, you can be sure that these increases will make it to the bottom line here in Hawaii travel.
Leave A Comment