Airlines are poised to raise baggage fees in response to the jet fuel crisis, industry experts have warned.

Carriers already generate substantial revenue by charging passengers for oversized luggage, with some airline personnel offered incentives to meet per-flight targets.

However, as rising fuel costs stemming from the Middle East conflict place pressure on airlines and threaten holidays, the price of baggage and the probability of being charged for overweight items are likely to increase.

Alen Baibekov, CEO of Economy Bookings, said: "There will continue to be large increases in baggage charges going forward.

"There are a number of factors putting downward pressure on airline profitability including increasing fuel costs, higher aircraft maintenance costs, increasing costs at airports and increased price competition among carriers."

He noted that raising baggage prices is likely because this expense is not initially displayed to consumers, who typically hunt for the cheapest flight fares when organising trips.

"Because most consumers primarily compare the cost of air travel based on the "headline" ticket price (i.e., the advertised price) rather than all of the other things that go with the ticket, many airlines have started charging additional items for the true cost of the trip like baggage," Baibekov added.

"Charging for excess baggage is something that airlines can do easily.

"Excess baggage creates tangible costs for airlines.

"It takes up more space and may cause delays when it comes to unloading, checking-in and boarding.

"In addition, if there is excess baggage it may require more labour hours to handle.

"Low-cost carriers are particularly aggressive with excess baggage fees as this is becoming more of a standard in their business model."

Budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet are notorious for their strict hand luggage rules, with charges typically beginning at approximately £5 for a larger cabin bag before rising to as much as £70 if passengers are forced to check them in at the gate, the Daily Mail reports.

Excess baggage charges represent a significant revenue stream for airlines.

During 2023, carriers worldwide generated a combined £24.3 billion from excess baggage fees, according to IdeaWorks, with expectations that this figure has continued to climb.

Ryanair has earned a reputation as one of the most stringent airlines, regularly imposing substantial charges on passengers at the boarding gate.

Current fees begin at £12 per kilogram for overweight luggage, while larger bags weighing 20kg incur charges of between £40 and £60 at the airport.

It emerged last year that Ryanair employees receive financial incentives for identifying passengers with oversized baggage.

A leaked payslip revealed a 'gate bag bonus' section showing approximately £1.30 for each overweight bag detected.

Michael O'Leary was set to increase these rewards from £1.29 to £2.16 per bag from November 2025. EasyJet also maintains strict baggage charges, imposing the same additional £12 per kilogram for overweight luggage.

The carrier also applies a flat rate of £48 for suitcases placed in the hold.

On longer flights, British Airways offers a generous baggage allowance, but equally enforces a flat charge for overweight items.

A flat rate of £65 is levied at the airport for overweight luggage, and anything exceeding 32kg will not be accepted as checked baggage.