Delta Air Lines just raised its baggage fees by 17%

Delta is the latest major airline to hike baggage fees after United, American, Alaska and JetBlue all did the same in recent weeks.

Time to learn how to pack a little lighter — unless you're willing to fork over some extra cash to check a bag.

Nearly all major U.S. carriers have recently announced price hikes for their baggage fees, with Delta Air Lines being the latest to jump on the bandwagon.

The company said Tuesday that effective immediately, the price for its travelers' first and second checked bags will increase by $5 for most domestic and short-haul international routes. This is a 17% increase from its previous prices of $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for a second.

The new rule won't apply to tickets purchased before March 5, and customers with status perks — such as Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, first-class customers and people with eligible co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, will continue to receive the same number of complimentary checked bags as before.

This is the first time Delta has increased its baggage fees since 2018 and is, according to the airline, due to rising industry costs.