[Live] American Express & Delta To Add Second Checked Bag Free For Cardholders

Key Takeaways

• Second checked bag free on U.S. flights for Amex Delta cards
• Delta’s second‑bag fee now $55, saving cardholders $110 annually
• Benefit applies to Gold, Platinum and Reserve tiers
• Enhances card’s competitive edge against other airline cards

Pulse Analysis

The American Express‑Delta partnership has long been a cornerstone of premium travel rewards, offering mileage accelerators, flight credits and lounge access. By introducing a complimentary second checked bag, the alliance directly addresses a pain point that has grown more costly as airlines hike ancillary fees. Delta’s recent decision to raise the second‑bag charge to $55 reflects industry-wide pressure to monetize baggage, but the new card benefit effectively neutralizes that cost for a sizable segment of its most loyal customers.

For cardholders, the financial impact is immediate: a $110 annual saving for those who travel with two pieces of luggage on domestic routes, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other territories. This enhancement also deepens the perceived value of the Gold, Platinum and Reserve cards, positioning them more favorably against rivals such as United’s MileagePlus cards or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which lack comparable baggage perks. The move is likely to drive incremental card sign‑ups and higher spend, as consumers weigh the tangible fee offset against annual fees.

Looking ahead, the baggage benefit could trigger a broader industry response. Competing airlines may feel compelled to introduce similar allowances or alternative perks to retain high‑value travelers. Meanwhile, Delta could leverage the perk to boost ancillary revenue on other services, knowing that the bag fee is already waived for a loyal cohort. For frequent flyers, the new policy not only simplifies travel budgeting but also reinforces the strategic advantage of aligning credit‑card loyalty with airline ecosystems.